KUCHING: The Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) has officially launched the GoBald 2025.
It marked the start of its annual awareness and fundraising campaign in support of children and families battling childhood cancer in Sarawak.
This year, SCCS aims to raise RM1 million and shave 400 heads through its signature event.
The first to go bald at the launch were Awang Naim Awang Bahrin, the father of a childhood cancer patient, and Nur Haiqal, a childhood cancer survivor.
They were followed by Wilfred Jameson, a bereaved father, and Kelvin Wan Kwong Wei, a dedicated SCCS supporter.
Awang and Kelvin were participating in the campaign for the first time.
SCCS president Mary Kiu Ai Ling said the theme for GoBald 2025, ‘Leave Your Mark’, was a powerful call to action – an invitation to be part of something bigger.
“The funds raised will help ensure children with cancer receive critical medical aid, improved care, and access to essential support services throughout their treatment journey.
“When you choose to shave your head, you’re choosing to make a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer.
“You’re standing in solidarity with children who lose their hair during treatment, telling them that being bald is beautiful,” she said in her statement.
Kiu added that SCCS’ annual operations cost approximately RM2 million, with over 70 per cent of funds directly supporting children with cancer through medical sponsorships, financial aid and specialised treatments.
“In 2024, SCCS spent RM2.9 million overall, reflecting a 43 per cent increase in total expenses due to critical medical aid sponsorships exceeding RM500,000.
“Since our establishment in 2001, we have supported over 1,700 families – a feat made possible through major fundraising initiatives like GoBald and the generosity of the public.
“Our rising expenses highlight why consistent fundraising is critical – because when a child needs urgent help, we cannot afford to wait,” she said.
GoBald participants can choose to raise funds only, shave their heads, or both.
A minimum fundraising amount of RM50 is required for a sponsored head shave by SCCS.
Public shaving events will take place in June in Kuching and Miri.
Registration for GoBald 2025 is now open at www.gobald.my.
Follow @sccsmy on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.
Businesses or organisations interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives or hosting satellite shave events can contact SCCS at 082-686276 or email em1@sccs.org.my.
For the record, every year, SCCS records about 50 to 70 new childhood cancer cases in Sarawak.
In 2024 alone, SCCS provided RM762,786 in medical sponsorships for procedures, drugs, consumables, lab tests and prostheses for 48 patients; RM109,450 in monthly financial aid for families in need; RM53,318 towards upgrading Paediatric Ward 2A at Sarawak General Hospital; 3,061 night stays for 40 outstation families at SCCS’ Kuching halfway home amounting to RM147,562; and 500 hospital trips supporting 51 families, with transport subsidies totaling RM65,193.
