Shaving for a cure

By Emily Donohoe

Mar 3, 2025

Paul Butler and Rochester Secondary College Year 12 student Jordy Rasmussen shake hands during Paul’s big chop at The Town Barber on Wednesday, February 26. Photos: Jordan Townrow. Photo by Jordan Townrow

Inspired by six Rochester Secondary College students, Rochy legend Paul Butler lost his luscious locks and beard for a cause.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Showing true community spirit, Paul went for the full chop for the first time in his life on Wednesday, February 26.

After Rochester Secondary College Year 12 student Jordy Rasmussen’s speech at the Rochester Lions Youth of the Year event on Wednesday, February 19, Paul pledged to shave his head.

Six Year 12 students at the school, including Jordy, shaved their heads a week earlier to raise money for Cancer Council.

“A lot of people around me and close to me had parents or grandparents or close friends experience cancer,” Jordy said.

“My speech was talking about raising awareness (about) cancer, people who suffer from it and how often people suffer from it in Victoria.

“I was suggesting that Rochester raise money for cancer each year, a different group each year.”

A keen Lion and L2P driving mentor, Paul Butler dedicates much of his time to the community. Photo by Jordan Townrow

The students raised $3000 in total, smashing their $500 goal.

Jordy also influenced Paul to jump on board with a promise to shave his head if the community raised a further $1000 for cancer research.

“Our goal was $500, and then we reached $3000, so I was stoked,” Jordy said.

“(Paul) told me on the night I made the speech, ‘if you raise (a further) $1000 in a week, I’ll shave my head’.”

Paul couldn’t stop smiling — even after the clippers came out. Photo by Jordan Townrow

Paul went a step further, committing to also shaving the beard if the tally passed $1500.

In total, a further $3024 was raised, leaving no questions about the promised chop and shave.

“He did a good speech and I foolishly opened my mouth,” Paul said.

“I thought about how many people I actually know that have got cancer or cancer problems and I thought, ‘when you stop and think and start adding it up, there’s a heck of a lot’.”