A TANTANOOLA teenager has proved he is a cut above the rest after making the “bald” decision to shave his signature dreadlocks for charity.
Zane Walker, 19, lopped his locks at the Tantanoola Tiger on Friday evening in front of over 200 locals, family members and friends to raise funds for beyondblue and local mental health services in memory of his father Paul who sadly took his life four years ago.
Before the shave Zane said he had mixed emotions about “shedding his dreads”, having sported the hairstyle for almost five years.
Family friend Leanne Thompson was given the honour of completing the shave with the helping hand of those who attended the event and made donations to cut a lock or two.
In conjunction with the shave, a market and auction was held during the four-hour event with all prizes donated by local businesses.
Local band Skyline Haze donated its time to provide entertainment.
Zane said he was overwhelmed by the support he received and the success of the fundraiser, adding he felt “a bit different” without his dreadlocks.
“I feel a lot lighter without my dreads that’s for sure,” he said.
“It was a great night, I did not expect that many people to come to it and donate.
“It was just a really successful night with the money raised for a great cause, which I hold close to my heart.
“I hope the money we raised can help someone else out.
“I would like to thank my sister Tameka who was the main person behind this event and who did majority of the work, my Mum and my Nanna for all their help and my Uncle Jamey for being the emcee on the night.”
Over $5000 was raised on the night and through online donations and a donation tin located at Country Post and Bistro in Glencoe.
Funds raised will be shared among Lifeboat Mount Gambier, Lifeline Mount Gambier, as well as beyondblue.
Donations can be made online at https://give.everydayhero.com/au/shed-the-dread or by the donation tin at Country Post and Bistro.
