Former Hawthorn footballer Shane Crawford to shear for charity

The funds were donated to children’s charity The Room last year, and this year the event welcomes a special guest — former Hawthorn premiership player Shane Crawford.

‘‘It would be a huge effort (to pass last year’s record) but we’re going to try our hardest,’’ Mrs Odgen said.

‘‘As part of the My Room telethon last year and raising over a certain amount, we got to put forward a dare for one of the Footy Show boys,’’ she said.

‘‘So we dared one of them to come down and shear some sheep.’’

More than 700 sheep will be shorn on the day and each stand will be sponsored by an individual or business, with money raised for each sheep shorn.

A raffle and auction will raise further funds.

With donations coming from businesses from Shepparton to Echuca, there are plenty of goods on offer for everyone — especially footy fans.

Two grand final tickets will go under the hammer on the day, along with a number of pieces of memorabilia.

Raffle items include gravel and gypsum, several loads of wood, vouchers from local businesses, wine, perfume and electrical goods.

A two-hour helicopter flight from Essendon to the Yarra Valley, including drinks on arrival valued at $1500, will also be up for grabs.

And, while last year saw members of the Ogden family shave their heads to raise even more money, this year will see Regan Hanson shave his beard for the cause.

Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20.

The event will be held on Bill and Val Barlow’s farm, Corydon, at Wanalta (19km west of Rushworth).

Shearing will begin at 7.30am on Friday, July 26, with a morning break at 9.30am before everyone has a break to enjoy a two-course lunch at midday.

■For more information, phone Katrina Ogden on 0439 720 938.