​MORE than 30 brave Clairvaux MacKillop College students in Upper Mt Gravatt have turned their ponytails into wigs for cancer patients while raising $22,500 for the Cancer Council of Queensland.  

The students joined Assistant Principal, Lisa Atholwood, in losing their long locks in the student-led fundraiser Rock the Chop for the Cancer Council’s Ponytail Project.  

The initiative encourages young women and men to cut their hair to raise money for the Cancer Council with the ponytails used to create wigs for cancer patients.   
The College’s Student Leadership Team organised the fundraiser, believing that chopping off their ponytails was a small price to pay to support those impacted by cancer.  
For Year 7 student Aaliyah Stanbury, taking part in the Ponytail Project was close to heart after losing her Nonna to breast cancer.  
“Not only did it mean a lot to me, but it means a lot to those who are going through cancer,” Aaliyah said.   
“It is such an amazing cause,” she said.  
Clairvaux MacKillop College Principal Christine Clarke said it was an exceptional effort by the College community.  
“Thirty-one ponytails were chopped and more than $22,500 gifted from the community of Clairvaux MacKillop College to the Cancer Council of Queensland.   ​ 
“We are very proud of their commitment and dedication.   
“It’s a stirring example of the generosity and commitment of our people to making life better for others.”    
Year 12 Student Leader Amelia Dalton said Rock the Chop was one of the most rewarding things she has done.   
“To be surrounded by more than 30 other courageous and caring girls throughout the whole process made it all worth it in the end," Amelia said.  
“I felt so fortunate in being able to gift my hair and raise over $22,500 to those who need it.   
“Finally, cutting the hair off was a sigh of relief, “we did it”, and it felt amazing.   
“I knew that it was going to help a lot of people and could not be happier with my decision.”   
A number of staff and students also waxed their legs while others enjoyed a crazy hair day for a gold coin donation adding to the final tally. 
All funds raised will go towards essential cancer support services, prevention programs and lifesaving research.   
This means everything from transport to get cancer patients to and from their medical appointments, to assisting childcare facilities to keep kids safe from the sun.  
The students also thanked sponsors and wonderful hairdressers MIG Training and S+S Hair & Beauty Capalaba for their support and haircutting skills.