For the 10th anniversary of the Ponytail Project, over 200 St Margaret’s students, 13 staff and parents, and past students at the school lopped off their ponytails on July 30.
Their hair will be donated to make wigs and the event is raising funds for those effected by cancer.
The initiative began in 2015 by four St Margaret’s students, after one of the student’s mothers was diagnosed with cancer.
In 2019 it was adopted by Cancer Council Queensland and has spread around the state, garnering support from many organisations, including major sponsor Epic Hair Designs.
Ascot local and Epic Hair owner Brendon Mann said: “We are honoured to partner with the Ponytail Project and Cancer Council Queensland… allowing us to contribute to a cause close to our hearts, supporting vital cancer research and providing assistance to families in need.”
Prior to this year’s event, St Margaret’s alone had raised over $700,000 for Cancer Council Queensland and the Minotti Trust.
This year their goal is to move the needle to the million-dollar mark, and they are not far off their goal with the fundraising tally at over $922,000.
Principal Ros Curtis said: “The Ponytail Project requires the girls to do much more than fundraise and donate money. It requires the girls to give something of themselves – to donate their own hair.
“I am immensely proud of their willingness to do this in today’s age of technology and social media, where much emphasis can be placed on appearance,” Ms Curtis said.
