What began as a last-minute idea to do something to raise money for Telemiracle has turned into a pretty impressive show of generosity from students at A.E. Peacock Collegiate this week — and the total is only growing higher.
A group of Peacock students expressed interest in raising money for this year’s annual charity telethon, and teacher Mark Gilliland got on board to help them plan a doughnut sale at the high school, in partnership with Maple Leaf Bakery.
“We just really threw it together in a very short time, just a matter of three days,” said Gilliland. “And it just came together really quickly, but it seems to be growing and growing.”
It was Grade 10 student Austin Harvey who suggested that if his classmates raised enough money during the fundraiser, he would publicly shave his head in the student lounge as a reward for their efforts.
“I'm known for my really, really long hair,” said Harvey. “And so I thought it would just be a way to get a lot of attention and actually make a big, lasting difference in the amount of money [raised], so then we'd have not only the donuts but you could see a live shaving.”
Peacock students responded and, as of Wednesday, Harvey is now braving the chilly spring weather with a lot less hair to protect him.
Harvey’s shorn locks will be donated to an organization that makes wigs for cancer patients.
The goal to reach was $150, according to a Facebook post, and thanks to donut sales and cash donations throughout the week, the group has collected over $750 so far — and they are still hoping that number will continue to grow before the end of the week.
“It blew up really big and everybody banded together and made it all happen,” said Harvey. “And we're still open for donations, so everybody should still donate.”
Anyone interested in adding to their total raised can still do so in the next few days, either by contacting Peacock Collegiate directly, at 1 (306) 693-4626, or reaching out to Gilliland by texting 1 (306) 630-3083.
Because their impromptu fundraiser was so well-received this week, the students are already thinking about making it an annual project at their school.
“We might do the same thing, we know that's been successful, but I'm sure we'll come up with other ideas as well,” said Gilliland. “It just grew very quickly, very fast, and it was actually a little bit surprising, but we look forward to making it even bigger and better for next year.”
The group of students, including Harvey, will be heading to Regina to present their donation live at the telethon on Sunday afternoon.
