In 2015, Social Justice Leadership Prefects, India Hedger and Michaela Mulder, launched The Chop. The concept came about following Michaela’s mother’s battle with cancer, which she won, and the difficulty to get treatment in the Redlands, instead having to travel to the city.
Sixteen young women from Ormiston College participated in the event which was held at the Raby Bay Foreshore Park. A passing young woman was so moved by the event that she also had her hair cut to donate in the spur of the moment! That year, over $7,000 was raised.
While many families in our OC community have battled cancer and continue to battle cancer, 2021 was a particularly personal year for The Chop as Year 12 student Lily was fighting that fight. Lily is currently still undergoing harsh treatments but is classed as stable. She is now studying creative writing and teaching at university.
Last year, fundraising surpassed $30,000, bringing Ormiston College’s total contribution to Mater Chicks in Pink, since beginning The Chop, to over $100,000. The money raised goes towards treatment research and services to support women with breast cancer.
Over the years, hair from over 150 students has been made into charitable wigs for both children and adults. Shorter hair has also been donated to create ‘hair booms’ to clean up oil that threatens marine and bird life and habitats in our oceans. The hair is donated to the organisation Sustainable Salons.
This year, Social Justice Leadership Prefects, Alexandra Bannister and Maree Wright, are leading the largest number of participants ever in the annual event, with 42 young women already signing up! This year, The Chop will take place after school on Thursday 13 October in the Centre for Learning and Innovation Plaza. The following day is the last day of classes for the Year 12 students.
You can show your support by visiting The Chop 2022 fundraising page, where you can contribute to the OC team or individual students, and help them make an even bigger difference this year.