There will be a few moustaches out again this November as the County of Grande Prairie Firefighters Charitable Foundation raises funds for the Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society. Firefighter Mike Mcleod explains funds raised throughout the month and at the Stache Bash event on November 30th will go towards helping develop the #mengrievetoo program, focuses on helping men go through and experience the emotions that come with grief and loss.
“Everyone has lost someone and, unfortunately, has gone through that loss, so what we want to do is bring awareness to this and help support such an amazing society within the local community that we have. We want that support to be there so you can have that support system for you when you are dealing with the worst times of your life.”
Mcleod says, over the years, men growing out of their moustaches has become a way to raise awareness for men’s health and to work to end the stigma around having difficult conversations. Last year was the first year the foundation ran this campaign, and it was one everyone jumped on board for and had some fun with.
“I know my family back home has already messaged me asking how much money it is going to take for me to shave mine off. So they are having some fun with it, and they know they have 28 days to go before I get rid of mine.”
Mcleod says the November 30th event at the Elks Hall will include dinner, a silent auction, and several other activities. He adds that last year it came down to the last day to decide the best moustache.
“It can be voted on, but you’ve got to come there and take a look at us up close on November 30th. You can get your tickets and come look at us and see who has the best or worst mustache, depending on the category you want to put it in.”
More information can be found on the County of Grande Prairie Firefighters Charitable Foundation website.
