Fonterra's park lark gets shave of approval

Fonterra Te Awamutu's second annual 'Burgers and Bangers in the Park' again proved to be a great event for the company's staff and families, as well as benefiting charity.

Held as the children's Christmas party at the end of the year, the event was also used to raise money for the Child Cancer Foundation.

Last year staff were encouraged to shave their heads for the cause - this year they went a step further and four men lost facial hair.

It was a big decision for some of the participants who had sported moustaches and beards for three or four decades, but it raised $2640 for the charity.

Child Cancer Foundation Waikato business development and fundraising manager Sharon Robertson says it was great working with the Fonterra organisers and proved a good fundraiser for the organisation.

She says it is heartening to get such great support from within the community and she looks forward to future fundraising events with Fonterra.

The party was held in Anchor Park and catered for about 200 people and was once again well supported by the community.

Les Charnley of Wayne's Lotto and Barber from Cambridge shaved the beards with a cut throat razor while the hair shaving was undertaken by hairdressers from Otto Inc of Te Awamutu.

Wilksbrooke Motors donated the use of a quad bike for the day, Gracelands loaned their bouncy castle and Hamilton's Speedy Lube and Tyres brought their competition 4WD offroader for a photo opportunity for the kids.

Entertainment was provided by a band comprising Fonterra Te Awamutu staff.