It’s that time of the year when men will be sporting lip sweaters for the next month.
The 2019 Movember campaign started in Regina Friday morning with their official Movember Shave Down at the Cornwall Centre featuring members of the Regina Police Service, Regina Fire Department and EMS personnel.
Movember Regina’s motto for this month is “Whatever You Grow Will Save A Bro”, encouraging others to raise funds and awareness for testicular cancer, prostate cancer, suicide prevention and mental health.
Adam Kletchko, committee chair for Movember Regina, is thrilled that he’s back for a sixth time to help with the cause locally. He said it means a lot to have first responders show their support for the charity.
“I think it’s an amazing message to show how important mental health is, especially in the first responder industry,” stated Kletchko.
Meagan Paslawski of Salon Haze had the honour of shaving firefighter Lawren Bowles’ moustache off at the Movember Shave Down in downtown Regina. (Photos: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
Participants donated money to have their facial hair shaved off for the initiative. Shoppers, workers and others who happened to walk by were able to do the same with a $10 donation courtesy of Salon Haze.
One of the emergency personnel who decided to have his moustache buzzed off was firefighter Lawren Bowles with the Regina Fire Department.
As a supporter of Movember for the last decade, Bowles talked about the importance of this cause for firefighters since they are often exposed to carcinogens in their work life. He’s joining in the fight to support people close to him and others in the community.
“I have family members who have had cancer, who have mental health issues as well, we have firefighters past and present who have had cancer,” he said. “It’s good to support them.”
Cst. Brent Clarke of the Regina Police Service was one of the first responders at Friday’s event in the mall. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
Constable Brent Clarke was one of the representatives from the Regina Police Service who had his goatee shaved at the event.
He too has people in his life such as family and co-workers that are dealing with their own health battles, which is why he’s participating in this initiative. “We’re all affected by things, but we’re all out here to look out for each other.”
Last year, over $18 million was donated to Movember nationwide and over $100 million worldwide with 20 countries taking part.
People are encouraged to engage on social media using the hashtag #MovemberRegina or by following their Instagram account @movember_regina. Visit Movember Canada’s website for more information or to donate.