MEDIA: Dreadlock fundraiser raising money and laughs for cancer

Jason Baldock is a builder from Cootamundra who hasn’t had a haircut in 13 years.

His very long dreadlocks have earned him many friendly comments to “get a haircut”.

So Jason knew that pledging to cut his hair could garner a lot of attention and has turned it into a fantastically successful fundraiser.

Chop the Mop is raising money for Can Assist Cootamundra on mycause.

Two days shy of the big day, the event has so far raised almost $25,000.

If you’re on social media, you’ve likely seen Jason and his amazing dreadlocks in one hilarious photo or another.

That’s because Jason is offering a funny photoshoot for businesses that donate $500 or more to his cause.

More than 10 businesses donated $500 or more, and several others joined in as well.

The photo above was taken with the team at Cootamundra Vet Clinic where he had his temperature taken “in a very different way”.

The news media has also been very interested in Jason and his funny-photo idea.

The Cootamundra Herald, ABC Riverina, The Daily Advertiser, Channel 7, and Channel 10’s breakfast show Studio10 have all had a chat with Jason.

His wife, Tania, has been instrumental in setting up the photoshoots and connecting with media.

Jason’s chop is scheduled for Thursday 15 December, the night of the Party On Parker Christmas party.

All the sponsors will get to cut off a dreadlock at the Cootamundra street party in the main street, which will include live music. 

The only cuts to Jason’s hair in over a decade have been three dreadlocks, each cut off and buried with someone dear to Jason, including his mother.

Once the locks go, he doesn’t plan on regrowing his hair and is not phased by how different he’ll look.

“I don't have much style to begin with so it’s not going to be too big an adjustment,” he joked with ABC radio presenter, Sally Bryant.

Read about the full event and see jason post-chop here or here.

Check out other inspiring pages where people cut their hair for a cause, or start your fundraising page by clicking the button below.