A fundraiser by Te Kura O Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) hostel students in support of a friend who has undergone chemotherapy has already surpassed its organisers’ expectations.

All 12 male MAC hostellers will shave their heads later this month in solidarity with another hosteller who had to leave the school last term and return home to Auckland for chemotherapy.

“In support of him losing his hair we thought we’d all do it,” participant Hugo Gaddum told the Wānaka App.

“It’s in support of him and everyone else who is going through something similar.”

The hostellers have launched an online fundraiser via Shave for a Cure which has already raised close to $2,500.

“I never thought it would be this big,” Hugo said.

“At first I set the goal at $500 and then we passed that; then I set it to $2,000 and we passed that in the three days or so. It’s pretty impressive.”

Hugo said the school community had been supportive of the initiative.

“All the teachers have passed it around at staff meetings and things,” he said.

“I’m waiting for the next school assembly where I’ll stand up in front of everyone and say what we are doing and how everyone can help.”

Hugo and the other 11 male MAC hostellers will shave their heads on August 23.

Learn more and contribute to the fundraiser here.

PHOTO: Supplied