GoBald 2026 Shave raises RM31,000 for childhood cancer

KUCHING: Eleven participants shaved their heads in solidarity with children battling cancer, raising more than RM31,000 through a GoBald 2026 Satellite Shave.

The fundraiser, organised by the Leo Club of St Joseph’s Private Schools and Lions Club of Kuching City, was held at Seafood Siang Ge, CityOne Megamall, on September 13.

Carrying the theme ‘Together, We Brave the Shave’, the event was held in conjunction with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The initiative had already raised more than RM28,000 prior to the event – nearly triple its initial RM10,000 target – before subsequent contributions pushed the total past RM31,000 as of September 17.

Among those who went bald were past district governor, Dr Alan Thoo; former Sarawak Health director, Datuk Dr Zulkifli Jantan; and four Leo Club members from St Joseph’s Private School.

Datuk Jimmy Tie (back row, fourth right) poses for a commemorative group photo with the participants who braved the shave.

Lions Clubs International District 308-A2 district governor for the 2026-2027 term, Datuk Jimmy Tie, attended the event and delivered the welcoming address.

Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society’s (SCCS) Vice-President, Dr Joshua Tiong Hung Sung, himself a childhood cancer survivor, shared how losing his hair during treatment affected his confidence as a child.

“I remember I would rather stay at home while my parents and siblings went out shopping or for breakfast on weekends.

“I felt self-conscious about the way I looked, and I didn’t want people staring or asking questions. That’s why a shaved head means so much more than just a donation,” he said.

Dr Joshua said SCCS had pledged more than RM597,000 this year for specialised medication and life-saving procedures for children undergoing cancer treatment.

To date, GoBald 2026 has raised over RM300,000 through its main events in Kuching and Miri, various satellite shaves across Sarawak, and individual pledges.

All proceeds directly support SCCS essential services, including financial and medical aid, temporary accommodation, medical transportation, and psychological counselling for affected children and their families.

This marks the fourth GoBald event hosted by the St Joseph’s Private School Leo Club and the third organized in collaboration with the Lions Club of Kuching City.

Members of the public who wish to donate or register as a shavee can visit www.gobald.my.