Every year, from July to October, I raise money in memory of the greatest man I have ever known, my late father (Norman) David Gilchrist. The twist is that for every dollar donated through this campaign (up to the stated target amount), I make an additional donation to a second cause close to our family. Bald Gilly came into being in 2013 as an initial concept of daring my loved ones to put their money where their mouths are, thinking that I'd put the initial target so high that there was no chance I'd have to actually go through with it and bare the physical scars of paediatric neurosurgery which up until that point had not seen the light of day in 30 years. The execution of the concept meant that I have never underestimated the generosity of my mates ever since. It also showed me, that once my ugly mug was out there for all to see, the one act of physical vulnerability I do annually hopefully already has made a difference in the lives of those who have gone through the same things we have since the day the music died. From 2013 to 2020, I participated in Dry July to benefit cancer support services separately to my individual fundraising efforts and to separate these two fundraising efforts, only launched Bald Gilly fundraising in the first week of August so that the latter campaign would be exclusively in memory of dad. On 22 July 2021, our family welcomed David's first granddaughter to the world, and from the following year onwards, I have committed to launching the formal fundraising period on this day so that my niece the centre of my universe will always have a connection to the most inspirational man I will ever know. Since this change, I have focused my fundraising solely on Bald Gilly, having moved away from Dry July specifically prior to the pandemic lockdown. As I launch this campaign in the 15th year we have been without dad, I do it with my most heartfelt gratitude to all of you, as this year's target will push my overall fundraising in memory of dad over the $20,000 mark including my own donation matching. I couldn't have reached this milestone without your love and support. As always, I will be posting the before and after pics as well as the transformation at 9:45pm on October 24 with the reveal post, and I will also be matching the overall total up to the fundraising target with a donation of the same value, however this year, the donation of the overall amount of the fundraiser will be made on my 45th birthday, on 17/12/26. I will be announcing which cause will receive my matching donation before shave day / the end of this campaign. Dad, this one, as always is for you. For the full background, including links to past years' fundraisers and "before and after pictures" from all shaves done thus far, check out the Bald Gilly facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BaldGilly/ and some of my past campaigns can be found via http://linktr.ee/BaldGilly Since 2013, through your generous donations as well as Bald Gilly's donation matching in recent years has collectively raised thousands of dollars to honour the memory of a one of a kind, dearly loved and missed husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and confidant. Together we have made a difference through ongoing support of cancer charities, disability organisations and childrens' charities. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support. This year's page was published on 21 July, in preparation for launch on 22 July, the fifth birthday of Bald Gilly's niece (and David's adored granddaughter) Chiara, whom David would have loved with all his heart. To celebrate Chiara whilst remembering the grandfather she never got the chance to meet, Bald Gilly's annual fundraising target has been $2207 since 2022 (and $2207.21 where amounts have been able to include amounts other than whole dollars, symbolising Chiara's full date of birth. In loving memory of David Gilchrist (12 January 1949 - 24 October 2011). Always loved, forever in our hearts. As always, thank you once again for the difference you have made. Not just in the lives of those supported by the not for profit organisations you have donated to, but the light you have brought to the heart of Bald Gilly and the extended BG Family, which you have become a part of in your support. I continue to be deeply humbled by the love and support of those who have made a difference. Thank you for allowing me to continue to honour the memory of my hero.