Written by Alexandra Ryan, Head of World’s Greatest Shave, Leukaemia Foundation
The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave is so much more than a cancer fundraiser. It’s a chance for schools to come together, to empower students, and to feel part of something bigger than themselves.
At the Leukaemia Foundation, we’ve seen this firsthand. For more than 28 years, the World’s Greatest Shave has brought school communities together from right across the country. Last year alone, a record number of schools took part – with more than 700 schools coming together to shave, cut or colour their hair in support of Australians facing blood cancer.
Some take part every year as a proud tradition. Others join because of a personal connection to blood cancer. And some simply want to create a moment that brings their community together for a meaningful cause.
Here are four reasons why the World’s Greatest Shave continues to grow in schools – and what makes it such a powerful experience for everyone involved.
- The World’s Greatest Shave offers your school a unique opportunity to make a difference
Blood cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian children. It’s something that directly affects more school communities than many people realise.
I’ve personally met and spoken to teachers and principals who’ve seen students, colleagues, or families impacted — and for them, getting involved is a way to show up and stand in solidarity with them.
When you rally students and staff to take part, you’re not just fundraising. You’re helping provide vital support services for families and backing research that’s changing what’s possible for people facing blood cancer.
- It supports the school curriculum, helping shape students into future leaders
One of the most rewarding parts of the World’s Greatest Shave is seeing what it brings out in students. It gives them a platform to step up – whether that’s speaking in front of their peers, organising events, or encouraging others to get involved.A high school student who took part in 2025 shared with us just how much the World’s Greatest Shave meant to them. “It changed what I thought I was capable of and that I could make a difference, despite being just a teenager,” they said.
It’s just one example of how along the way, they build confidence, empathy, and a real sense of pride in what they’ve achieved.
It also connects naturally with the curriculum. I’ve seen schools bring it into lessons across health, civics, maths, English and the arts – turning it into something that’s not just meaningful, but genuinely enriching from a learning perspective.
- Bringing your school community together on event day is something you won’t forget
Ask anyone who’s been part of a school Shave day, and they’ll tell you – it’s genuinely hard to describe until you experience it.
There’s an energy to it. A mix of nerves, excitement, and pride. You see students cheering each other on, teachers getting involved, and the whole school rallying behind something bigger than themselves.
There’s something truly special about bringing your school together for a shared purpose – and it’ll be a day that your students and staff will celebrate long after the clippers stop buzzing.
- Your school will receive our support every step of the way
Me and my team know how busy school life can be. That’s why we make sure schools are supported from the very beginning.
Each school is paired with a dedicated contact from the World’s Greatest Shave team – someone who can help guide you, answer questions, and make the whole experience feel simple and manageable.
You’ll also have access to resources, fundraising ideas, and ongoing support to help you get the most out of your event — not just in what you raise, but in what your school takes away from the experience.
While the World’s Greatest Shave is about helping support Australians with blood cancer, it’s also about the very people who make it what it is – and the strength of community that comes with it.
There are many reasons why the World’s Greatest Shave continues to thrive 28 years on, and why it’s the perfect initiative for your school. Not just as an opportunity to help others in need, but as a way to empower your school community and come together for something bigger.
How to get your school in on the action
- Sign up as a school team
Sign up to the World’s Greatest Shave as a school team or join your existing school team - Set up your school’s fundraising page
Set your school’s event date and fundraising target and add a photo and message to your page.
- Start organising and fundraising
Start holding fundraising events and organising your school’s big day – the bigger the better. - Make it count
When the big day arrives, get everybody together for a day your school won’t forget.
To learn more about the World’s Greatest Shave and sign up your school, come and chat to me at the Summit, contact me at aryan@leukaemia.org.au, or visit the World’s Greatest Shave website.
The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave are the National Education Summit Brisbane Lanyard Sponsor and Melbourne Event Partner.