AARON Thompson has been cultivating his beard for about two-and-a-half years. He will only shave it now for one thing – a cubby house at Ballarat Specialist School.
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A tour of his nephew Dylan’s kindergarten took Mr Thompson by surprise. He was impressed with the Early Learning Centre’s activity, equipment and programs for children with special needs.
When Mr Thompson heard the ELC was trying to secure a grant for a new playground, he wanted to help. So, he took a look in the mirror.
“The beard started as a bet and bit of fun between mates but I just kept growing it for two and a bit years now,” Mr Thompson said.
“A lot of people might not realise Ballarat Specialist School is there, or know exactly what they do, but it’s awesome. Focusing on fundraising just for a cubby helps make it personal too, rather than just donating to one big pool of funds.
“The cubby gives kids an opportunity to do things other kids do.”
A cubby-twist on Mr Thompson’s shave fundraiser has quickly captured attention. He launched the fundraiser on Friday and has already raised almost $800.
He has set an ambitious target of $5000. Ballarat Specialist School requires a custom-made cubby with wheelchair access and other special features for its ELC children. He is determined to raise the lot.
Every cent he raises goes to the school’s cubby – any more will go to the playground, which he was certain his nephew would love.
Dylan loves swings and bouncing on trampolines. The four-year-old, who has autism, started a three-year-old kinder program at Ballarat Specialist School last year and has improve his learning in leaps and bounds.
Ballarat Specialist School acting principal Sam Sheppard said the great shave was fun concept and a great start towards a new inclusive sensory play space.
“We’re really appreciative. The community support’s been great,” Mr Sheppard said. “And we’re pretty excited about the play space we’re proposing.”
Thommo’s Great Beard Shave will fire up the clippers in mid-December in line along with other City of Ballarat charity shaves.
Mr Thompson wants Dylan to be there, especially to make sure his little nephew would still recognise him afterwards.
To donate or follow, visit Thommo’s Great Beard Shave on Facebook or Go Fund Me.
