Beard gone for Leukaemia fundraiser

MEMBER for Glass House, Andrew Powell MP, has joined forces with the Leukaemia Foundation and shaved his beard off to help shave the world from blood cancer.

Andrew recently visited the talented Shandelle Terry and Renee Harris from Bar- bers of Maleny to go under the knife and have his iconic beard shaved.

“I was nervous!” Mr Powell said. “I’ve had the beard on for five years now, having only shaved it once during a family holiday and was grateful then it grew back pretty quickly.”

The Glass House community raised $544.63 to support Andrew’s beard shaving expedition and more than 100,000 Austral- ians currently living with blood cancers like Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma.

“Whilst I am a bit skeptical about my new look, I’m thrilled to have been able to raise this money for the Leukaemia Foundation in such a fun way that engages the broader community.”

This was Andrew Powell’s third year par- ticipating in the World’s Greatest Shave, but his first year shaving his beard.

In previous years, he has dyed it.

“I know there are people who were pretty upset that more donations went towards col- ouring my beard last year. Obviously, they were eager to see it go since I quickly went above and beyond my $500 fundraising goal!”

Funds raised through World’s Greatest Shave is critical to help the Leukaemia Foundation continue to support local fam- ilies affected by blood cancer through advo- cating for equal access to new therapies and treatments as well as providing educational, emotional and practical support such as transport and accommodation, all at no cost.

“There’s definitely a bit of a cool breeze hitting my face now, but the next decision to make is whether I keep the beard off or grow it back ... stay tuned!”

A fresh-faced approach ... Renee Harris, left, and Shandelle Terry from Barbers of Maleny shaved Andrew Powell’s beard for charity.