Why this charity stunt got hairy

Two Whangarei men have suffered in public for a very good cause - to raise awareness of suicide.

Jamie Rosemergy got his chest waxed by Jade Morgan of Avid Beauty in Whangarei's Cameron St Mall on Wednesday. He and Whangarei Paper Plus owner and manager Adam Isa were auctioned off to be "de-haired" at a fundraising debate recently for Mr Rosemergy's Choose Life suicide awareness and prevention project, which raised nearly $10,000 overall.

The de-hairing was done outside Paper Plus and attracted a crowd of keen onlookers.

Mr Rosemergy's chest and back were waxed, while Mr Isa's curly locks were shaved and his legs waxed. A further $70 was raised by onlookers donating on Wednesday, before a donation of $250 for Mr Rosemergy to have one of his armpits waxed as well.

A lot of banter between the pair and the crowd kept the mood light, despite the serious cause of the charity and the occasional yelps of pain from the two men. Brochures for services such as Youthline were distributed to onlookers.

Halfway through his wax, Mr Rosemergy told them: "Depression is a serious matter, but you can have a laugh about it. Please grab a brochure and don't make me go through all this pain for nothing."

Mr Rosemergy's brother, Rhys, committed suicide in 2009, inspiring the charity. Go to: www.2chooselife.org.nz