Port Coquitlam firefighters are growing out their facial hair this month for Movember, an annual movement that puts the spotlight on men’s health.
It’s the ninth year PoCo firefighters have taken part in the campaign that aims to build awareness and fundraise for research into prostate and testicular cancers as well as mental health and suicide prevention.
The moustaches “are a reminder for us to strike up a conversation about our health, both mentally and physically,” said William Brodie, who is spearheading the firefighters’ society drive again with Joel Hamilton.
But while last year’s Movember effort collected $14,000 for the causes — much of it raised during a hockey tournament at Planet Ice, with other Metro fire crews — this year’s target is scaled back due to the pandemic.
Brodie said the month-end tourney won’t be staged at the Coquitlam rink because of COVID-19; however, he hopes to raise at least $1,000 through donations and masks that have a moustache design on the front. Those masks can be bought from PoCo firefighters and at Gentlemen’s House of Grooming (1508 Columbia St., PoCo) for a minimum donation of $10.
Brodie noted the Movember drive doesn’t end on Nov. 30. “Year round, we advocate for better support and increased knowledge surrounding PTSD.”
• To support the Movember projects through the Port Coquitlam Professional Firefighters Charitable Society, visit movember.com/t/port-coquitlam-fire-department?mc=1, or go to portcoquitlamfirefighters.com.
The 2019 Movember hockey tournament.
