Hair For Harold

Photos and Story by Ange Holt

Mayor Alan Livingston (left) and Community Constable Richard Hurrell.

A number of local identities will be attracting more than their usual share of attention this week after having their hair dyed bright colours. Along with hundreds of people from Te Awamutu, Te Kuiti, Otorohanga and Cambridge, they were part of a sponsored campaign to raise money for the Waipa/King Country Life Education Trust.

Trust chairman Bruce Carey says the unique self-esteem and self-identity programmes reach over 8000 children every year through 60 schools in the region. Students are taught to 'walk tall' through fun, educational activities with a strong anti-drug and alcohol focus.

The trust receives no Government funding and must raise $80,000 per year in operating costs. The current mobile classroom is also due for replacement at a cost of $190,000.

The hair colouring took place simultaneously outside the four towns' Westpac Bank branches from 10am today. The event was designed as a fun time for the public. As well as being able to watch the transformation of participants, there was musical entertainment from Classic Hits FM, a sausage sizzle and a personal appearance by Harold himself.

Merv Gyde accompanies Harold the Giraffe

Te Awamutu's participants included school principals and local body politicians. Leading the way was Waipa Mayor Alan Livingston, who will be sporting his flourescent green at a number of official engagements this week.

Community Constable Richard Hurrell has adopted a "thin blue line" theme and will be carrying a donation tin during his rounds. Whilst the police have been right behind this fundraiser, Mr. Hurrell has been stood down from court duty until he regains his normal dignified appearance!

The Warehouse Te Awamutu manager Roger Bate has put out an incentive to branches in the region to support him. He says there are 10 stores in his region, so if each sponsors him at least $100, so he can raise $1000 or more, he will wear his dyed hair for a week, then shave his head at next weekend's TV2 street party.

Dean Taylor represents both the Te Awamutu Courier and Te Awamutu Intermediate Board of Trustees. Mr. Taylor was nominated by his Courier boss who didn't quite have enough hair to participate himself.

Michael Cox of the Te Awamutu Rotary Club has threatened to pass on the names of all members who fail to support his bid to raise $1000.

One of the most successful fundraisers was Fonterra Director John Wilson who managed to collect $2,500.

Mr. Carey was very pleased with the reponse to the event and expects the $15,000 target to be reached easily.