Over 80 students participated in this year’s Ponytail Project which raised a record $93,000 for Cancer Council Queensland and the Minotti Trust (established to support the young family of a St Margaret’s staff member who lost her life to cancer two years ago).
The Ponytail Project is a tradition for St Margaret’s students and now, in its fourth year, has been adopted by the Cancer Council Queensland and launched state-wide in a bid to gather a groundswell of support from schools across Queensland.
Students had their ponytails cut by hairdressers from Clayfield’s Boston Salon who have generously supported the Ponytail Project since its inception with their expertise and manpower.
School Captain Xanthe Lowe-Brown cut 25cm of hair marking the first time she’s ever had short hair in her life.
“In 2006 my Pop was diagnosed with a rare type of blood cancer. He really inspired me to take part in the Ponytail Project to raise funds for cancer research and to help people like him.
“I’ve raised over $6,800 thanks to my supportive and generous family and friends,” she said.
Prefect Jordan Small was the school’s leading fundraiser, with a tally of just over $8,200.
After cutting off 25cm of her hair she said: “I’ve known a lot of people who have been affected by cancer in my life and a few who have unfortunately passed away.
“So, I thought being involved in the Ponytail Project would be a small way of showing that I empathise with the struggle that people have gone through and a way of giving back,” said Jordan.
On the day of the chop, the whole school got behind the event with primary students donating a gold coin to wear ‘wacky hair’ and other activities including hair braiding, selling baked treats and yellow gerberas.
The ponytails will be donated to Real Fringe Hairbands to help those who have lost their hair due to a medical condition.
View a gallery of photos on our Facebook page here.