GIVE HOPE AND BRAVE THE SHAVE

8^th March 2019

First launched in 2009, Go Bald is the largest and the first head-shaving charity event in Sarawak and this year, the annual event marks its eleventh anniversary. The signature fundraising event for the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), Go Bald gives the public an opportunity to carry out a meaningful act, to demonstrate support for children who are battling cancer, and also raises funds for the Society.

The act of going bald sends a powerful message that it is ok to lose your hair, and that hair loss is only a temporary setback on the road to recovery. At the same time, participants will also be raising funds for the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society through pledges from their families, friends and well-wishers.

Each year, approximately 70 children are diagnosed with cancer in Sarawak. However, the causes of childhood cancers are unknown, and are not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental risk factors, unlike many adult cancers. Despite all that, childhood cancer is considered a ‘modern day miracle’ due to the significant increase in survival rates especially in developed, high income countries. With awareness and support, there can be a push for better access to care for children with cancer. 

Last year, over RM1million was raised through Go Bald with over 1,100 heads shaved, with many contributions coming in from all over Sarawak. For Go Bald 2019, SCCS is targeting to raise another RM1 million with a total of 1,200 head shaves in total for Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri. In 2019, the society’s operating budget is forecasted at RM2.3million. Therefore, SCCS aims to cover this cost with fundraising from Go Bald.

Funds raised from Go Bald will be utilized for the following purposes:

•              To provide accommodation, food and transportation for outstation patients and their caregivers receiving treatment in Kuching and Miri General Hospital.

•              To provide financial assistance to needy families with children suffering from childhood cancer.

•              To provide medical support by way of donation of medical equipment, aid and consumables, and to finance out-of-state transplants that are not provided by the Sarawak General Hospital

•              To provide emotional support to patient & families

•              To organize fun outings, monthly birthday celebrations and annual camps for cancer patients and their families

•              To carry out educational craft activities for children who are undergoing treatment at the ward and boarding at the halfway home

•              To develop materials on childhood cancer, organize talks to raise awareness about childhood cancer for the public, and educate caregivers on relevant information needed to care for a child battling cancer.

The main event for Go Bald 2019 will kick off in Miri on 5^th May 2019, at Permaisuri Imperial City Mall, in Bintulu on 12^th  May at The Spring Bintulu, at Delta Mall in Sibu on 19^th May and ending at Vivacity Megamall in Kuching on 26^th May. A minimum of RM50 is required to participate in the main event.

Go Bald 2019 pledge cards will be made available starting from 1 March onwards and can be collected at:

SCCS would like to express its deepest appreciation to supporters of Go Bald 2019 Sibu as follows: venue sponsor Delta Mall (Sibu), official hair salon Danny’s Hair Academy, and official photographers Snail Photography and Aaron Soon Photography, event supporter Tanahmas Hotel, and digital marketing partner, iPrima Media.

For more information on Go Bald, please contact SCCS at 082 686 276 or email to gobald@sccs.org.my. Check out the Go Bald website at http://sccs.org.my/events/go-bald/ and visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GoBald.

Together Let’s Be Brave, Shave It Off and Help Kids Fight Cancer.

SARAWAK CHILDREN'S CANCER SOCIETY