Romeo’s Greatest Shave
It wasn’t the normal way he would end his work week, maybe a couple of beers with workmates, but with a healthy length of black hair and a scruffy beard Winslow Constructors Foreman James Romeo took a seat in front of more than 50 colleagues and family members who were there to support him.
In June last year, James and his fiancée Amy devastatingly lost their son Alfie, who was stillborn at 37 weeks.
Their grief is immeasurable. Their gratitude to all those who helped and supported them in the days, weeks and months later is immense.
In Australia, six babies are stillborn each day, affecting 2000 families per year.
James wanted to do something to raise awareness, and funds for the “organisations who have supported our family through our toughest days”.
“For the past 21 months I had been growing my hair,” he said.
“I decided to shave my head to raise donations for the organisations who have supported our family through our toughest days.”
On August 18, ‘Romeo’s Greatest Shave’ was held at the Olivine Estate compound in Donnybrook north of Melbourne.
Before taking his seat, James explained to the audience why he was here.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated and shown us amazing support over the past year and a bit,” he said.
“For the past month Amy and I have been raising money to give back to the organisations that helped us and got us through this tough time, because they are all supported by donations.
“We will be splitting the money raised between the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital, specifically the stillborn sector.
“Heartfelt, who are professional photographers who volunteer their time to provide families like us with everlasting photos and SANDS (Stillbirth and Newborn Death Support), who provide counselling to people in our situation.
“As something small we could do to support them, I thought I’d grow my hair and shave it all off to see what we could raise for these awesome people.”
With the help of friends and colleague, Romeo’s Greatest Shave raised an impressive $8330.35.
James said there are many he would like to mention, but singled out Operations Manager Stephen Strano, Construction Manager Ryan Monaghan, and Site Engineer Emmanuel Kakos for their ongoing support enabling the day to happen.
Before the clippers touched his skull, Steve Strano chimed in and said Winslow will “double whatever was raised”.
It’s a reminder of the first of Winslow’s values, Family: we are likeminded people working together, respecting, and caring for each other.
