CHOPS FOR CHARITY: Young Aussie raises $1000 for SSA

Riddled with disheartening news surrounding the war, disease, poverty, and climate change, both globally and locally, it’s so refreshing to receive positive reports that provide hope and surges of optimism. Certainly, it almost seems even better when it’s the youth rising up and making a socio-responsible contribution.

Jodan Cook, a 15-year-old skier gromm from Falls Creek, Australia, raised around $1000 in donations for the Stand Strong Again (SSA) foundation by chopping off his three-year-old “dreadies” on Saturday, June 9th in a pub located near the ski hill. According to Cook and as evidence by the photos, several people joined in on the cutting of his dreadlocks with little kids enjoying the act the most.

As for his shorter, hygienic look, “I’m trippin’ heaps! I’m so cold and mega light,” says Cook in an email. In addition to the event at the pub, Cook plans on continuing the stoke by educating kids at the local primary school this week on his fundraiser and SSA, the 501(c)(3) non-profit that assists action sports participants—ski, snowboard, skate, moto, professional, amateur and recreational—who suffer spinal cord injuries (SCI).

The entire action sports industry salutes Jodan for his sincere efforts in making a difference. Thanks, Jodan, for making everyone’s day or week or year that much better. Cheers mate!

Be sure to check out standstrongagain.org to stay up on news and donate to a tax-exempt non-profit.