By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 4: Four-year-old Allegra Amari Azlan Bates, the youngest shavee at this year’s GoBald 2026, courageously took part alongside her mother, Amalina Arip, in the 18th edition of Sarawak’s largest head-shaving fundraiser, helping to raise more than RM20,000 for the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) as part of a powerful show of solidarity with children battling cancer.
According to a media release today, GoBald 2026, held at The Hills, has raised over RM190,000 so far, with more than 160 participants nationwide registering and at least 140 pledging to shave their heads.
In Kuching alone, over RM100,000 was raised, with 101 participants taking part in the live shave event, including 68 men and 33 women.
Officiating the event, Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah encouraged wider participation from individuals, organisations, and businesses.
“Collective efforts are vital in ensuring SCCS can continue providing essential support to children and families in need,” she said.
This year’s campaign is especially significant as SCCS marks its 25th anniversary, with GoBald 2026 forming part of a three-day “Move for Gold” programme.
Since its inception in 2009, GoBald has raised over RM14 million and attracted more than 11,000 participants nationwide, cementing its place as a major community-driven fundraising initiative.
Among the most moving moments at the event were participants shaving in memory of loved ones, including fathers honouring children who had passed away from cancer.
Dennis Balang, the father of Christian Deo, shaved in solidarity with his 6-year-old boy who recently completed his immunotherapy treatment in April for neuroblastoma, which cost approximately RM595,000.
Abdul Nazif took part in the shave in memory of his late son Rizqi, who passed away recently in June due to a brain tumour (glioma). Similarly, Norzan Madin also took part in memory of his son, Ziyyad, who passed away this year due to a kidney tumour.
SCCS president Mary Kiu Ai Ling said the campaign continues to demonstrate the impact of collective compassion.
“When you participate in GoBald, especially this year as SCCS celebrates its 25th anniversary, you are making a difference—whether by donating, shaving your head, or simply showing up to show your support,” she said.
She added that initiatives like GoBald have enabled SCCS to support more than 1,800 families since 2001, providing medical and financial aid, accommodation, emotional support, and other essential services.
In 2025 alone, SCCS spent more than RM4 million on patient care, including specialised treatments for children requiring intensive medical intervention.
This year’s theme, “Growing Hope Together”, underscores the organisation’s mission to strengthen support systems for children with cancer across Sarawak, ensuring that every contribution continues to translate into care, dignity, and hope for affected families.
SCCS also extends its heartfelt thanks to all sponsors and partners, including Mubadala Energy, Ray’s Salon, Maison Monica Hair & Beauty Academy, Paul & Jennifer, Fion Hair Studio, Danny Hair Academy, T2H Eternity Salon, SOL Digital, Aaron Soon Photography, DK Photography, Village Sound, WAK Festival, The Hills and The Imperial Mall, for making GoBald 2026 possible. — DayakDaily
