Data^#3 Virtual Shave-Off Raises $14,500 for the Leukaemia Foundation

Data^#3 Virtual Shave-Off – Six States Simultaneously Shave

On Friday morning, March 11, Data^#3 staff across six states, gathered together for a great cause – to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Community is considered a key stakeholder to Data^#3, and their mission is to work to support the communities in which it operates, in order to make a meaningful difference. Data^#3’s Community program (named ‘SOUL’) aims to promote a socially conscientious organisation who is putting real effort into enriching the national and international communities, and provides their people with the power and opportunity to give something back on a personal level.

Thirteen Data^#3 Staff Took Part

With this in mind, thirteen staff across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, coloured or shaved their hair to raise money for the charity. The cross-state action was enjoyed by all as video conferencing technology was used to bring everyone from the Data^#3 family together.

Lynsey Green, Business Partnerships Officer, Leukaemia Foundation, gave a passionate introduction to the event, detailing the purpose of the foundation, and why donations are essential in order to carry out their amazing work. Green explained that the Leukaemia Foundation is Australia’s peak body for blood cancer, funding research, providing free services to support people with blood cancers and related blood disorders, and their families. As they receive no ongoing government funding, they rely solely on the generous support of the community.

Then came the hair shaving and colouring. Two of the thirteen staff members that took part were Data^#3’s CEO, Laurence Baynham and General Manager for NSW and ACT, Paul Crouch, who both shaved their hair off completely. Baynham also auctioned off the right to shave his head and the job was won for a generous donation of $1,000. For a small moment in time, Baynham was even spotted sporting a humorous Mohawk!

Picture: The transformation of Laurence Baynham, CEO, Data^#3.

View more pictures on the Data^#3 Facebook Page.

When asked what motivated them to partake in the action, Crouch and Baynham both gave heartfelt responses.

Baynham explained, “I was eager to take part, and put myself forward for many reasons. The Leukaemia Foundation is an extremely worthy cause, and one that I have supported for a number of years. The Data^#3 family has experienced first-hand the impact of this disease, and as such, I wanted to do something to help. A close friend of mine was also recently diagnosed with Leukaemia, and is currently undergoing chemo. I personally wanted to show my support during this difficult time.”

Crouch echoed Baynham and commented, “This is an illness that has touched people in our office both directly and indirectly. I felt this was the right thing for me to do and I was eager to support the foundation given the great work they do. A fantastic amount was raised, we all had good fun, and I managed to get a free haircut in the process – it’s a wonderful result from a fun and meaningful activity.”

All in all, an enjoyable day was had, and $14,500 has been raised, smashing the target of $10,000!

Donations can still be made by visiting the Data^#3 Sponsorship Page, which will remain open until the end of March 2016.

Thank you to all those that donated, and well done the following Data^#3 staff that took part; Laurence Baynham, Paul Crouch, Hayden McKay, Stephen King, Corey Snerling, Glenn Cadman, Mark Cufari, Les Cattley, Shaun Hanisch, Karen Murfett, Donna Fenton, Alejandra Guereque and Renee Fogg.

Together, we are stronger.

Watch a video snapshot of all the action.