GoBald event raises RM170,353, shaves 65 heads

MIRI: The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) kicked off the first leg of their GoBald main shave event at the Permaisuri Imperial City Mall here on Sunday.

This largest head-shaving fundraiser in Sarawak achieved tremendous success, raising RM170,353 in funds and shaving a total of 65 heads.

Since its launch in March, the GoBald 2024 campaign has seen a steady increase in sign-ups.

To date, around 250 participants across Malaysia have registered for GoBald, raising over RM215,000 from more than 1,700 donors.

The number of participants who signed up to get their heads shaved has also increased significantly from last year, totalling 230.

Last year, the GoBald campaign raised over RM900,000 with over 160 participants shaving their heads.

According to SCCS Miri liaison officer, Jocelyn Hee, SCCS aims to raise RM1 million and shave 500 heads this year to enhance and expand support services for children with cancer and their families.

Ting (clad in yellow attire) with Jeremy (3rd left), Lee (2nd left) and Hee (extreme right) at the event.

This includes a budgeted RM920,000 for medical aid, with over RM630,000 already incurred this year alone.

Supporting today’s event, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting’s eldest son, Jeremy Ting was the first to shave it all off in remembrance of his late mother, Datin Sylvia Lim Siew Lee.

Lim, 68, passed away at their home in 2022 after battling cancer for more than a year.

At the event, a heartwarming and emotional moment was witnessed as Ting announced a significant contribution in honour of his late wife.

In a touching tribute to her memory, Ting sponsored RM10,000 for his eldest son to shave his head.

Joining on the stage was 19-year-old Faez Nazirul Zamahari, diagnosed with Stage 4 proximal femoral osteosarcoma two years ago and has since completed his treatment and reunited with his family here.

Also present to witness the event was chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community Tan Sri Dr Lee Lam Thye

Lee also chipped in donation amounting at RM10,000 for the GoBald event.

SCCS will hold its final GoBald main shave event in Kuching on June 30  AEON Mall Kuching Central.