The global pandemic doesn't mean all other diseases have disappeared.
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With Saturday's Border Relay For Life being a virtual event, The Scots School Albury held its own version on Tuesday.
Students walked or ran laps around the school oval together before enjoying a sausage sizzle and the spectacle of year 10 pair Mitch Russell, 16, and Kiara Gray, 15, shaving their heads for the annual Cancer Council fundraiser.
School chaplain Beth Bear said in the past decade Scots had raised $100,000 for Border Relay For Life as a community service project led by the year 10 students.
Usually a 24 hour walk around an Albury-Wodonga oval, the 2020 Relay Your Way invites people to join in online from their preferred location.
The COVID-19 impact plus a crowded fourth term led Rev Bear to ask the 2020 year 10s whether they still wanted to take part this year.
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But Mitch said there was no question about that.
"It's a big part of year 10," he said.
"Year 10 take pride in it and we couldn't be that year 10 that leave it out."
The shortness of his shave was dictated by the amount of money he raised - his $500 total turned it into a close crop. He and Kiara had made last minute decisions to lose their locks.
"It's a fun thing to do and it's supporting a good cause," Kiara said. "I always pulled out (of shaves), so this time I'm actually doing it."
Yesterday's activities raised nearly $1500 to be added to the school's ongoing online donations ($1646 so far) and $400 collected at the start of the year.
Year 10 student Thalia Cross, 16, attended Border Relay For Life each year and loved the way the event brought people together.
"It's so good to do something that's part of the community," she said.
Brianna Carracher, community relations co-ordinator at Cancer Council's western office said the 2020 relay would continue to celebrate cancer survivors, recognise their carers, honour those lost and raise funds.
"While Relay this year is going to look very different, it will still be an experience that will stay with you forever," she said.
Rev Bear said the Scots mini-relay allowed all the students to be involved and learn more about a worthwhile cause.
"I think everyone was just really excited to do something with a bit of a buzz, no pun intended," she said.
"Do a community event that they're used to doing, but so many of those things they've been prevented from doing this year."
To register or donate, go to cancercouncil.org.au/borderrelay
