Pupils and staff at Mount Somers Springburn School got behind Wig Wednesday raising $1103.30 for the Child Cancer Foundation.
They had a parade, American hotdogs and a baking stall.
It was a cause close the hearts of people in the community with past and current families affected.
Among them teacher Amy Huggins whose child Ryder, age 9, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2021, just before his fifth birthday.
Ryder spent a gruelling two years receiving treatment – including 21 intrathecal chemo surgeries and more than 900 Beads of Courage.
Huggins said in a statement that Wig Wednesday was not just about wigs it was a chance to give back.
“When Ryder was sick, Child Cancer Foundation was a lifeline for us – from groceries on the doorstep to the Whanau Connect Group that gave us real hope and connection,’’ she said.
In 2023, Wig Wednesday coincided with Ryder’s last day of treatment, and the school rallied around in celebration. ‘‘Wig Wednesday is our way of giving back, celebrating the kids who’ve been through so much, and making sure no family ever walks this journey alone.”
Child Cancer Foundation chief executive Monica Briggs said every week three families in New Zealand face the devastating news their child has cancer.
“The pressure on families is enormous, and with referrals increasing rapidly, our support is needed more than ever. From petrol vouchers and counselling to accommodation and peer connection, we provide a lifeline during their darkest days.
“None of this would be possible without the kindness and generosity of Kiwis who get behind Wig Wednesday and other fundraising efforts.”
Wig Wednesday in particular was a lighthearted, colourful way to support families going through something unimaginably tough.
Losing their hair is a particularly painful part of a child’s cancer journey as they go through chemotherapy – participants can wear a wig, style a wacky hairdo, or even shave their head in solidarity.
While the official day is Wednesday, September 10, people can take part any time during September by fundraising at school, work, or with wha ¯nau.
“Wig Wednesday isn’t just about fun and fundraising,” Briggs said.
“It’s about showing tamariki facing cancer that their community stands beside them — providing strength, hope and practical support every step of the way.”
Show your support:
– Sign up or donate at wigwednesday.org.nz
– Text “WIG” to 3457 to instantly donate $3.
– Wear a wig, go wild with your hair, or shave it off to show your support.
