By Jena Carr
Lara’s Ford Millican cut off his iconic mullet for those in need on International Firefighter’s Day after growing his hair out for mental health.
The 10-year-old got his hair cut at the Lara Fire Station at 3.30pm on May 4 after raising $8527 for the Black Dog Insitute during its Mullets for Mental Health initiative, surpassing his goal of $2500.
He has since donated 900 grams of his hair to the charity Variety Hair with Heart, which gives wigs to kids who have lost their hair due to a medical condition.
Ford said he was thankful to everyone who supported him, including hairdresser Kim Ballantyne from Cuts on Calvert, Freddie’s Choice, Lara Lakes Primary School, and Fire Rescue Victoria’s Fire Station 61 Lara.
“It felt different to have it (his mullet) all cut off as I’ve had it for about six-and-a-half years and I felt happy that I could donate it,” he said.
“I feel good about the money; I know that Black Dog Institute will put it to good use, and I’m happy they’re doing that.
“It means a lot to me because my family’s been through a lot with mental health, and it also helps a lot of people with cancer… as I’ve $5000 went to Hair with Heart.”
Ford said he would leave his hair short for now until he grows it out for mental health again with his brother.
