Julia's bare essentials

"It's certainly a lot colder, I have to wear a hat to bed now," says Julia Albert who on Saturday, along with her mother and younger brother, shaved off her hair to raise money for Canteen Taranaki.

On Saturday morning at the Stratford TSB Pool, Julia, her mother Colleen McGuinness and her brother Thomas McGuinness (11), all said goodbye to their hair as the staff from Revive Hair and Beauty shaved the family - part of Julia's commitment to raise $4000 for Canteen Taranaki.

"I have seen young people around me go through cancer and I have seen the amazing things Canteen does to support them and their family."

Julia says she has always wanted to shave her hair off for the cause but was waiting for the right time. "When I made the decision my mum and brother quickly got behind me and said they would do it too." She adds that it has been great doing it as a team as her mum has been a great support to her. "It was also nice to be able to teach Thomas about fundraising for such a great cause."

Leading up to the big day Julia was busy selling raffle tickets. "I couldn't believe the generosity of so many local businesses who donated prizes for my raffles, I am so grateful for the support."

Colleen held a horse show, the Horseplay Give It A Go Day, in Hawera which raised more than $600 and Julia also hosted a quiz on Saturday night at the Stadium Restaurant and Bar which, in conjunction with the raffle tickets, raised more than $1000.

Julia has also received donations from buckets at the Stratford TSB Pools and the Stratford Mountain House, "a huge thank you to the businesses that allowed my buckets on the counter".

Julia couldn't be happier that has she reached her goal of $4000, which will be given to Canteen Taranaki later this month.

"I could not have done this without the love and support of my friends, family and the local businesses."

Julia says that while her new look is going to take a while to get used to, she is thrilled with the result.