Hollie’s hair-raising gesture

It has taken Hollie Gardiner three years to grow her long, wavy locks but it will take just a few minutes to lop them off later this month.

The 10-year-old is donating her hair to the Ponytail Project, so it can be made into wigs for children with cancer and she’s raising money for Cancer Council Queensland too.

“Around this time three years ago, I got a haircut, a short bob. Soon after I decided I would like to grow my hair and donate it to a place that makes wigs for kids with cancer,” Hollie explains.

“Then over the last two years our family and close friends have been overwhelmed by people with cancer diagnoses. Most recently my Granny was diagnosed with bowl cancer.

“Because of these events my parents and me thought there must be more we can do. That is why we decided to incorporate my goal of growing my hair for donation and raising money for the Cancer Council.”

The Year 5 Southern Cross Catholic College pupil will be opting for a pixie style when her hair is cut on July 23 and is aiming to raise $5000.

Hollie is hosting a trivia night on July 16 at Deception Bay Club, Bayview Tce, Deception Bay. It is on from 6.30pm. Tickets are $15.

The night will be host by Scottie from Giggle Group Trivia. To register, visit Hollie’s Shave for Cancer Facebook page

She also has fundraising tins at local businesses including Totally Workwear North Lakes, Deception Bay Tavern, Priceline Pharmacy Kippa-Ring and Clontarf Service Centre.

The Deception Bay resident has taken her fundraising efforts across the state as she races her Polaris R21000 in the Queensland Off Road Future Champions Championship, collecting donations at three meets this year.

Secrets to success?

So, has she been eating anything special to make her hir grow faster and thicker? Short answer … no, but she’s pleased with her progress.

“Granny is proud and has told all of her friends. She has been helping with the fundraising too in Bundaberg (where she lives),” Hollie says.

“It takes only one person to make a difference.”

Nicole Green is proud of her daughter who has followed her lead to help others.

“It’s not often that you have a seven-year-old come to you and say, ‘I want to grow my hair and donate it to other kids’,” she says.

“We both joke that we’re tarred with the curse of putting everyone before us.”

To donate, visit Hollie’s fundraising page