Tauranga woman Renee Ball not only sacrificed her hair to raise money for cancer, but went an extra step in getting local businsses to help.

This is the first time Renee has ditched her locks in honour of her best friend who she lost to cancer eight years ago.

Renee's friend's 10-year-old son Brixton also shaved their heads, with Brixton raising more than $3000.

A total of $14,470 was raised at her Shave for a Cure and auctioning event.

On Saturday, April 20, Renee held an event at The Island in Pāpāmoa, where she collected a bunch of prizes from businesses and auctioned them off.

“There was a great turnout from all of our friends,” she says.

“People got warmed up to the auction and wanted to spend money and get a good prize.

“Some of the items were practical items that people wanted to bid on, such as a service for your car or mowing lawns.

“We did have a couple of other ones like skateboards and more luxury items that people were willing to spend lots of money on.”

Renee Ball raises money for cancer through Shave for a Cure. Photo supplied.

Renee believes around 60 to 80 people, not including children, attended.

“We raised around $7500 at the event.”

On Monday, April 6, Renee held the final part of the event, an online auction for the biggest donated item.

“We were auctioning off a production package,” she says. “Reel Factory donated the production package and was the biggest donation, which was worth $27,000.”

It would be desirable for all small or large businesses to advertise and promote their companies.

“Reel Factory, one of New Zealand’s premier commercial production companies, is offering a content product package for a product-based brand,” Renee says in an Instagram post.

“Reel Factory is willing to donate a full studio shoot day with the only high-speed motion control robot in New Zealand and post-production services to produce high-end content for a New Zealand-based product/brand.

“Creative development between RF and the brand will need to take place with set limitations of art direction and set design.

Renee Ball raises money for cancer through Shave for a Cure. Photo supplied.

“The package includes all shoot crew (4 pax), equipment and facilities, along with 3 days of an editor and a single day of a colourist will be donated.”

The item was bought for $4000 by Real Rad Food.

All the money raised from these events goes directly to charity.

Renee encourages people to do the same and fundraise for a good cause.