Heather Latter
Plenty of local men, including teachers, reporters, and even high school students, have been raising funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer, during the month of “Movember.”
But it’s been the friendly competition between the teams from the local Customs port of entry and the Rainy River District Emergency Medical Services that has brought in some big bucks for the cause.
“One of the guys had mentioned it months ago, so we all got together and decided to do it,” noted Chris Wielinga, captain of the paramedics team, which saw 15 participants.
Since Wielinga’s wife works at Customs here, he was aware a team was taking shape there.
Then Charles Fisher, captain of the 17-member Customs team, challenged the paramedics to see who could raise the most money.
Throughout the month, the fundraising was neck and neck. But with today being the final day of the month, it seems the Customs team has come out on top.
As of press time, the Customs crew had registered $5,268 while the paramedics brought in $3,640.
However, each of these teams may have had cash donations yet to register.
“It’s all for a good cause,” noted Fisher, who also took part in “Movember” last year.
“There was a lot more participation across the district this year, which was great to see.”
Fisher credited this partly to social media, with the “Movember” message being spread easily on Twitter and Facebook. But he added having numerous sportscasters and pro athletes participating in the campaign also was a strong promotion.
“It’s really taken off in Canada,” agreed Wielinga. “The whole reason we do this is for men’s health, but the entertainment value of a whole bunch of men growing moustaches was also appealing.”
Fisher said it’s the perfect fundraiser for men.
“It’s the world’s laziest fundraiser,” he chuckled. “You don’t have to run anywhere or do anything, expect not shave your moustache.
“Yet it’s very noticeable.”
In fact, the idea is for men to start November with a clean-shaven face, then for the next 30 days grow their moustaches to become walking billboards prompting conversation around the often-ignored issue of men’s health.
Fisher noted the actual growing of the moustaches has been good for some while others still were struggling even up until the last few days.
“For me, it started slowly and was a little bit sketchy looking for a while,” he admitted.
Meanwhile, Wielinga noted there where “some pretty good” moustaches among the paramedics.
Boston Pizza here, which also had a team participate in the campaign, is hosting a “Movember” bash tonight to celebrate the month-long fundraiser.
The party begins at 7 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend, although those who grew moustaches are particularly urged to go as there will be prizes for the best moustache, the worst moustache, and the most money raised.
The Times also would like to see all the “Movember” moustaches, so participants (or their loved ones) are encouraged to e-mail a photo to news@fortfrances.com by tomorrow (Dec. 1).
A winning moustache will be selected and win a Times’ prize package.
