It’s that time of year, where even the most subdued men begin to experiment with their facial hair, all for a good cause.
Movember is back. This is the time when men grow moustaches to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. These include prostate and testicular cancer as well as mental health and suicide prevention.
In Drumheller, there are a few brave men who may be sporting a new look, whether it be a Jon Waters-style pencil moustache to a full Tom Selleck.
Drumheller CAO Darryl Drohomerski is taking on the challenge and has a new set of handlebars growing.
“I thought it would be fun and different … I have had relatives who have had prostate cancers, so anything we can do to support it is important,” he said.
He is also showing support for Councillor Lisa Hansen Zacharuk, who is battling cancer. He has offered town employees an opportunity at the end of the month to shave his moustache.
“Whoever raises the most money, I’ll let them shave me, and the funds will go to breast cancer research in Lisa’s honour,” he said.
A quick search of the ca.Movember.com shows a few locals who are working hard to raise funds and awareness, including the crew at Glover International, which has already raised more than $500.
Cody Makowecki of Auto Value is participating in Movember for the first time.
“I’ve always had the inclination to do it but really before, it would take like two months to be able to grow anything of substance, but now it’s not quite as bad as long as you’re in the right lighting,” he laughs.
Kidding aside, he feels strongly about men’s health issues, especially mental health.
“Men are dying too young, whether that be from cancer or mental health-related issues. The branch that I’m raising funds for is the mental health side of things,“ he said.
“Society seems to view men who speak up about a mental illness or issue as weak, you know the ‘man up’ mentality has taken too many men way too young. In Canada, 3/4 suicides are men, that’s 75 per cent. It’s terrible no matter the gender but the idea that men should be able to tough out their issues because they are men is a terrible mentality. The issue sticks close to my heart, and whether I raise $5 or $5,000 I just want to bring attention to the fact that it’s okay not to be okay.”
To learn more or to donate to a ‘Mo-Bro’ or team, go to www.ca.movember.com
