Dyson Heppell is closing in on $250k raised for bushfire relief on the eve of his trademark locks being shaved.
A $15k donation from Hairhouse Australia saw the Essendon captain quadruple his initial $50k target set on Monday, with the club's co-major partner Amart Furniture ($5k) another significant donor.
Heppell has been overwhelmed by the generosity of more than 3,000 donors, taking to his social media channels each day to thank the Bomber family for helping those impacted by the bushfire crisis.
A proud Leongatha product, the Gippsland fires in particular have distressed the 27-year-old, who has chosen to donate all funds raised to Wildlife Victoria and the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.
If you'd like to watch the Skipper's Shave, be sure to head to The Hangar on Friday or stay tuned to the club's digital channels.
Open training will begin at 10am before the shave at midday.
Car parking will be limited at The Hangar as trade and construction vehicles access the construction site area, so visitors are required to park in surrounding areas.
Remember, it's not too late to donate to the Skipper's Shave and leave your comment of support like those below.
If you join as a Mighty Bomber this week, the club will also donate $25 to the Skipper's Shave from each membership sold.
Josiah Fox
The last of my Christmas pocket money so that other kids like me can get the help they need.
Alicia Squires
We've been wanting to donate, and I was touched by the relationship between Heppell and Gippsland. My grandparents had a farm in the Gippsland many years ago and I like this charity where the funds go to the residents, not just rebuilding of roads/infrastructure. And of course to the wildlife. My children are mad Bombers supporters and have given up their weekly allowance to help out!
Spencer Fotheringham
I know that there are a lot of people stranded in towns which have been burned with nothing left and they deserve to have the chance to build their houses and lives back. Spencer, age 9.
Danielle McNamara
Well done Hep! Breaks our hearts to see our home burning, every little bit helps to get our country back on its feet! We look forward to seeing your new do on Friday, thank you!
Kenneth Allchin
I am a Bomber living in USA and admire Dyson for the act and want to support the great firefighters.
Liam Heckley
Amazing work Hep. So glad to see the Bomber army get on board this initiative. The least we can do to help the communities and wildlife devastated by the fires. Go Bombers x
Andrew Winton
We all need to chip in to help. We also know how precious those locks our to Dyson and he obviously feels this is a super important cause to get behind. Well done Dyson and thanks.
Davor Stanic
Thanks Dyson for your efforts in providing some relief for people going through this horrific event. You are a true inspiration.
HAIRHOUSE AUSTRALIA
Dyson, so pleased to help you reach $200k. Well done on driving such an incredible community effort - the team at Hairhouse.
Rob Leary
The people in the bushfire affected areas of East Gippsland need our full support as they recover from the disaster situation they are in. This is a fantastic initiative from one of Gippsland's own. Good on you Dyson.
