Margherita Petiet had her hair shaved off on Friday in front of 220 pupils at Glenorie Public School.

The mother of three put her locks on the line for the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave which supports patients and families living with leukaemia, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.

The foundation also funds blood cancer research into treatments and cures.

``In the beginning my friends thought I was crazy, but now they think it's great,'' she said.

``My hair will be made into a wig for someone who has lost their hair.''

Ms Petiet moved to Australia from Italy eight years ago.

``We came for a holiday and fell in love,'' she said.

``Australian people are so giving. I wanted to give something back and teach my children about the importance of charity and selfless acts.''

Ms Petiet said asking people for funds for the cause was somewhat difficult.

``It's not an everyday thing, asking people for money,'' she said. ``But it's such a worthwhile cause.

``When I contacted the school they were more than willing to get involved.''

Pupils at the Glenorie school dressed in mufti on Friday and donated gold coins to the cause.

Principal Lyn Pearce said the students gave willingly.

``We raised in excess of $600 and there are only 220 pupils,'' she said.

Deta ils: worldsgreatest shave.com