Ben’s Big Shave – Fundraising Event 17 March 2018
‘Ben’s Beard’ is Helping Children with a Disability to Have a Dream Queensland Holiday.
Local Geelong man Ben Richards, has been growing his beard since 2016, all in the aim of raising money for children and young people with a disability supported by Gateways Support Services.
On Saturday Ben’s beard will meet its razor at Ben’s Big Shave – Fundraising Event from 12.00pm at Newtown’s hipster barber Rex n Ross at 319A Pakington Street, Geelong with the big shave taking place at 1.00pm. The event includes a silent auction and the price of all haircuts and shaves between 12.00-1.00pm will be donated.
As a volunteer with Gateways, Ben is popular with teenagers and young adults. After spending time volunteering with these young people, supporting them to participate in a range of holiday activities out in the community, Ben decided he wanted to do more.
“I want to make a difference. I’m inspired by the work of Gateways Support Services and wanted to help raise money for the amazing kids they support with the goal of sending some on a holiday to the 3 theme parks in Queensland.”
Ben came up with the idea of growing his beard and since setting up his Everyday hero fundraising page has already raised more than $5,000. His goal on Saturday is to make that $10,000. To donate visit https://give.everydayhero.com/au/it-was-all-a-beard
Gateways’ Individual Support & Recreation Manager, Bronwyn Sizer said volunteers like Ben made a real difference to children with a disability both as a volunteer and by fundraising to provide them with an experience that might otherwise be out of their reach.
“Volunteers like Ben are a vital part of our recreation and holiday group programs. Having those extra hands give the children and young people more one on one attention, helping them to actively participate in a range of fun activities.”
