Cootamundra’s Jason Baldock’s Chop the Mop movement continues to gain momentum with the popular local having just days left on the clock before his hair is chopped off for Can Assist, with money continuing to pour in before the Thursday night event. The current total of all money raised toward the Cootamundra Can Assist branch is currently $68,514.
However, expect this to grow before the scissors and clippers come out. Can Assist was created on the recognition of the issue that, “Compared to those in metropolitan areas, rural cancer patients are diagnosed later, are more likely to die and seventeen times more likely to report geographical and financial barriers to care.” ‘Chop the Mop’ has created a huge buzz around town with local businesses getting on board for the good cause. Large donations for Jason’s cause have come in from local businesses, which are all accompanied by a satirical photo which Jason stages. He will be getting his haircut at the Party on Parker today, Thursday the 15th of December.
With his last haircut being a buzz cut Jason has been growing his hair for years and said, “It was time to get a haircut and Can Assist are probably the best charity that I know of. They’re a good charity who look after people with cancer.” “I said I would raise money if I ever got my haircut, and here we are.” Major sponsors for the ‘Chop the Mop’ Include, Palmer Ford, Chambers Garage, Cootamundra Medical Centre, JMA Legal, Todd Basham Electrical, Cootamundra Rugby League Club and Old Boys and Sacred Heart School.
“They want to see money go to Can Assist, but they also want to clean me up a bit and make me look respectable,” said Jason. Jason is known around the community for his infectious humour and he is very proud to help the community change the lives of many cancer patients with his hair and humour. “We are so thankful to all the people who have given money to this. The community is so fantastic and so supportive of a good cause. The community is so supportive and generous. All these people want to give money to watch a clown like me get his hair cut off,”
He said If you want to donate you can visit the “Chop The Mop Website transfer to: South West Slopes Credit Union Acc Name:Jason Baldock Chop the Mop BSB:802 367 Acc No:100019792
Tully Potts