“We’re caretakers and we care (although Luke is actually a senior engineer),” explained David when asked about their role with this year’s Relay for Life.

“You could call us givetakers!”

The three Armidale Dumaresq Council staff members have taken it upon themselves to raise money for Armidale’s relay, and they have chosen to do it in an unusual way.

The bearded group (dyed green for the event) are growing their hair and beards to raise money for the Relay for Life.

There are two ways in which people can donate - they can either donate for the raggedy group to keep their beards and locks, or opt for them to be shaved clean.

Whichever option receives the most donations, the group will undertake.

And they are not only raising cash, but eyebrows as well.

“People come and ask us if we are saving money on razors”, said Shannon.

“We’re not really - it’s costing us that much more for shampoo”.

“And lice treatment,” added David.

The other objective of the caretakers’ undertaking is that they want to raise awareness of the relay and in cancer in general.

“Cancer has touched everyone,” said David who lost his father to cancer in 1993.

“This is our way of supporting the community and those touched by cancer.”

So next time you see the council caretakers around town, remember to say hello, give a donation or at least spare a thought for their discomfort in the spring warmth.

“It’s not too bad now”, said Luke of their new growth, “but it does get itchy depending on the weather . . . and then there are the split ends!”

For more information on how you can organise a business team, join the survivors and carers walk or on the Armidale Relay for Life, contact Shaen Fraser on 6766 1164 or 0428 436 366 or visit www.relayforlife.com.au/nsw