Tinwald School pupil Bailee Giles is fundraising for I am Hope.
Her long locks will be cut as part of her fundraising efforts in which she is hoping to raise $1500, or more for the organisation.
Her hair will also be turned into a wig for people going through cancer treatment.
She has set up a Givealittle page at givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/chop-chop-for-hope where people can donate and support I am Hope.
‘‘Having gone through my own personal struggles this year, has made me want to support I am Hope and the amazing work they do for kids in schools,’’ she says.
‘‘I was lucky enough to have my family, as well as my school, support me. My hope is that other children who are going through their own struggles, will have someone to support them.’’
Bailee, in Year 6, will get her hair cut by Livvy, of Clippers, at Tinwald School on December 14 – it’s the last week of school – and is hoping to raise plenty of money to give children in schools the support they need.
She will also run the Mitre 10 Mega barbecue on December 10 and is currently working on a couple of art pieces which will be raffled to raise extra money.
The I am Hope organisation know that mental health struggles are not new, but says they are new to young people.
They work in schools to deliver mental health education in language understood by young people, from people they can relate to.
It’s not the first time Bailee has raised money for a cause; in November 2020 Bailee, then aged 9, helped to raise $1592.16 for the Cancer Society and donated her hair for a wig as well.
