THE COLLIE community has raised more than $20,000 to help people with blood cancer through the Leukaemia Foundation.
Fundraising efforts for the World's Greatest Shave culminated at the Crown Hotel on Friday night, where sponsored participants lost their locks or had them coloured for the cause.
In just seven weeks, hard-working organisers planned the big night and a series of events in the lead-up to it, which included three raffles, cake and bric-a-brac stalls and a sausage sizzle.
The spectators who packed the hotel added to the fundraising total throughout the night.
Hairdressers Shenae Magill and Jorden Harms impressed with their skill and stamina, barely stopping for a break as they powered through participants who had volunteered to have their hair coloured and shaved.
An auction at the end of the night had patrons bidding for items donated by local businesses.
Organiser Helen Winfield, whose fundraising total following the weekend stood at more than $5500, wore purple hair for a couple of weeks before deciding to have it shaved off on the night.
"It's my 12th year of doing it," she said.
"Last year my six-year-old great nephew was diagnosed with leukaemia and that inspired me to get back into it this year."
Some of the outstanding fundraising totals included Debbie De Angelis ($4424) and Terra Andrew, who raised more than $1500.
In many cases, Mrs Winfield said, money was still rolling in.
She thanked all the businesses and individuals who had supported the event.
