That's why he carried through with a year-long aim to shave his head for those affected by leukaemia.

"The people who have cancer lose their hair and are sick too. I'm happy I can just lose my hair and raise money," he said.

Despite not knowing anyone who suffers from leukaemia and not wanting to lose his hair, Jalen went through with the shave at his Waverley home yesterday.

He was inspired after watching his father Aaron King lose his hair as part of last year's World's Greatest Shave.

With an original aim to raise $200, Jalen has since raised $1260, making him the 16th highest individual fund-raiser in the state.

Mother Lisa said a stranger had donated $190 after finding out about Jalen on Twitter.

"I can't believe how generous people have been," Mrs King said.

She said she was proud of her son for following through with the shave.

"It's something a lot of 11-year-olds would probably think about but not actually do," she said.

Jalen's three younger brothers - Noah, 9, Harrison, 6, and Kobe, 2, - were behind their brother.

"Harry wants to do it next year," Mrs King said.

She said Jalen had set a new target of $1600 by the end of the month.

Mr King would also shave his head at the end of the month.

People from around the state hosted fund-raising events yesterday.

Queechy High School had a crazy hair day, coin line and barbecue.

Coles Newstead also had an event with store manger Danny Mather, fresh produce manager Dyran Delaney, and service assistant Rachael Shackcloth all shaving their heads to raise $1811.