It’s the simple things in life that sometimes count for the most.
Sometimes a single moment of compassion can spark something far bigger than we ever imagined. For me, that moment came during what was meant to be a simple Christmas visit to a friend’s son in the hospital.
A Visit That Changed Everything
A visit to the child cancer ward at Christchurch Hospital to drop off a PlayStation to the son of a mate left me deeply touched and just a little emotionally shattered by the children I met in the ward.
What I witnessed that day – children spending Christmas away from home, families torn apart by circumstances beyond their control, the quiet courage of kids facing battles no child should ever face – stayed with me long after I left the hospital.
I thought long and hard about how he could do something to make a difference for the 13 kids in hospital over Christmas.
The Birth of an Idea
Years of good-natured jibes about my ponytail gave me the inspiration I needed. If people were always commenting on his hair, why not use it for good?
The idea was simple but powerful: funrazor™ was born.
With just $100 of my own money as the starting point, I began what would become one of New Zealand’s most successful grassroots fundraising movements. My good mate Richard Sinke of the Dux de Lux was the first of many to match the pledge – if I shaved my head, they’d donate.
Eleven Days That Changed Lives
What happened next exceeded everyone’s expectations. Eleven days and $27,000 later, the ‘funrazor™’ was born.
But this was just the beginning.
By the time this initiative had run its course, over NZ$2 million has been raised for the Child Cancer Foundation through funrazor™.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Understanding the impact of this initiative means understanding what the Child Cancer Foundation does for New Zealand families:
Every week in New Zealand, three families are told the heartbreaking news that their child has cancer. In 2023 alone, 145 tamariki (under 16) were diagnosed with cancer.
For over 45 years, Child Cancer Foundation has ensured that every family going through childhood cancer in New Zealand has someone to support them through dedicated Family Support Coordinators who walk alongside families every step of the way.
The funds raised through funrazor helped provide:
- Emotional and practical support for families when medical staff can only do so much
- Financial assistance when at least one parent has to stop working to care for their child
- Connection opportunities through Whānau Connect Groups so families don’t feel isolated
- Sibling support because cancer affects the whole family
- Long-term help for families adjusting to life after treatment
The Ripple Effect
What makes this story so powerful isn’t just the money raised – though $2 million is extraordinary. It’s the demonstration that one person’s compassionate response to witnessing suffering can create a movement that touches thousands of lives.
From a simple Christmas visit with a PlayStation, funrazor has:
- Provided support to countless families during their darkest hours
- Created a model for grassroots fundraising that others have replicated
- Raised awareness about childhood cancer across New Zealand
- Shown that ordinary people can create extraordinary change
Keep Growing, Keep Giving
The beautiful thing about funrazor™ is that it shows what is possible. What aligns for you, your business, your life?
What ‘lights you up’ Listen to those gentle moments that tap you on your shoulder as life ‘nudges’ you.
Follow your joy, be authentic, be bold and passionate. What might you do now? What is possible?
The Legacy of Simple Compassion
This story reminds us that we don’t need to wait for permission to make a difference. We don’t need massive resources or elaborate plans. Sometimes all it takes is:
- Witnessing a need and letting it touch your heart
- Using what you have (even if it’s just $100 and a ponytail)
- Taking the first step without knowing how big it might become
- Inspiring others to join the movement
Your Turn to Make a Difference
As you read this story, consider: What simple act of compassion could you take today?
You don’t need to start a national movement (though you might!). You just need to start somewhere, with something, for someone.
Because sometimes the simplest gestures create the most extraordinary ripples.
What will your PlayStation moment be?
To learn more about funrazor or to get involved, visit the Child Cancer Foundation website. Every dollar raised helps ensure that no family faces childhood cancer alone.
2 Responses
I didn’t know that you were the man who started Funrazor Dean. How extraordinarily well done!👏 congratulations 🎊 on making such a huge difference to children and their families. Respect 🙏.
Your website looks great, clean and appealing. Well done👌.
Thanks Lizi! (just seen this message you left on the site tonight… I must have missed the notification when you posted this comment over 2 weeks ago!! My apologies for the delayed response)
Working with the funrazor was such a wonderful experience, we gathered a team of incredible people around us who gave of their time and skillsets freely and without anything asked in return.
My ex-wife Becky Lee was a huge factor in how the event rolled out over the years, her head for organising and detail was invaluable. She did so much of the important behind the scenes work tirelessly and with such grace. There are sooooo many people who come to mind as I type this, I’m not going to try and acknowledge them here, as I risk forgetting folk after the years gone past. But suffice to say it was a team of committed heartful wonderful souls that made this happen. Im smiling at the thought of folk I’ve not seen or spoken to in years that were part of what we did. Such a blessing to be a part of it. Deano