I am thrilled, elated, delighted and beside myself to share with you all that today, Operation Baldy whizzed past the initial goal of raising $1000 for the Cancer Council of Australia. With currency conversions factored in, we’re currently sitting at about $1150AU I really have no words for how awesome all of those who have donated so far are. So much generosity, many of you I have never even met. A few of you completely unknown to me. If anyone tells you there is no power, no kindness, no generosity in the internet… you send them over here for a chat to me.
So, just in case I have some new readers out there (and I think I do) who haven’t yet been introduced to Operation Baldy, here’s a quick rundown.
A month or so ago, just after the latest ridiculous Facebook “awareness campaign” for Breast Cancer, I decided to put my money where my mouth was. Well, in fact, your money where my hair is. I could never donate anything near $1000 on my own, so I decided that on Australia Day 2010 (26th of January for any non-Aussies), I will shave my head, right down to skin to raise money for the Cancer Council of Australia, who have done some amazing work with cancer research (partially funded the discovery and development of Gardisil, the cervical cancer vaccine among other things) which benefits cancer patients around the world.
I am intending to go from this:
Photo courtesy of Bri King
To something that looks somewhat like this:
Ok maybe without the chicken feet. I will be holding some kind of picnic or barbecue event on the day so that locals can come along and *cough* encourage me to go through with it (hold me down kicking and screaming if need be!) and also help me say goodbye to my hair. Plus of course we need lots of photographers so that I can share with you all afterwards!
So, originally I set the goal of raising $1000. Today, thanks to a very, VERY generous donation of $500 (you know who you are, gorgeous!), I rocketed past that first goal. I think in the little over a month left before Australia Day, I can double that.
I believe that people with cancer give up so much, the least I can do is give up my hair for awhile.
I’ve set up paypal for the US Dollar.
And the UK£.
And the Australian Dollar.
Or for the Aussies, if you prefer I’m willing to take cheque, money order or direct bank deposit, just email me and we’ll sort something out. And I can provide an Australian tax receipt too if you’d like to claim it on your tax.
So, can you help? Every dollar, indeed every CENT, is important and helpful. I promise to blog/tweet/facebook the progress and results on Australia Day. And if you come along to the party, you can rub my bald head for luck as well, but it will cost you a gold coin donation!
Fat Heffalump 
Squee! This is awesome. I haven’t donated yet but I plan to, after Christmas. Well done, you.
Wow, major congratulations! Job VERY well done! I’ll try to donate again soon. Wish I could be there to encourage you!
Thank you both. I’ve popped up another couple of hundred dollars since last night, so it’s still moving.
My Mum died from cancer (not Breast cancer but that’s not important) so I am happy to make a donation. Go you!
Thank you Bri, thank you so much hon.
The reason I chose the Cancer Council of Australia is so that it benefits all types of cancer research and funding. So often money only goes to those with slick, fancy marketing. I have lost friends to melanoma and oral cancer, and had another friend survive bowel cancer. There are no pretty ribbons or flower days for them. This way everyone is covered.