Local servicemen taking Movember to heart

In November, men are encouraged to grow a moustache to raise money for a good cause.

The global Movember movement not only wants men to change their appearances this month, but also their way of thinking.

The foundation said any money raised in support of Movember, running from Nov. 1 to 30, goes towards educating men about their physical and mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

Chris Pacey with Parkland Ambulance said he didn’t take Movember seriously at first.

“[It] was almost like a joke and then you kind of do a little bit of looking into what Movember is and it’s more for men’s health,” Pacey said.

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Brett Enns is the regional executive director of community services with the Parkland Health Region.

Enns said taking part in Movember is something he can do to support friends of his who have battled or continue to battle cancer.

“Last year I had a very good friend who wasn’t male- was female actually- who passed away from cancer,” Enns said, not only did he lose a friend to cancer, “there’s two more that have been touched just recently [by prostate cancer] in my circle of colleagues and friends.”

The captain at the Prince Albert Fire Department, Randy Hurd, said it’s a fun competition among colleagues but also a very good cause.

“With it being a male disease you know, were a lot of guys at the fire hall here so it could strike anybody at any time,” Hurd said. “So the awareness part of it and the research for prostate cancer is a pretty important thing and it’s pretty near and dear to a lot of people.”

After being surrounded by people affected by cancer Enns realized it’s time for change.

“I think in general as men we have very poor track records about booking physical appointments with our primary care provider,” Enns said, adding that men don’t realize “the importance of doing that on an annual basis.”

After doing some research, he said he was glad to find the initiative has a focus on mental health as well as cancer. That’s because his portfolio includes mental health, addictions, and acquired brain injury.

He said he believes many men have unresolved mental health issues and Movember gives them a chance to discuss these issues openly.

“Breaking down the stigma behind mental health and that it’s okay to identify that as men we struggle with mental health issues,” Enns said.

Meanwhile, Hurd said this year the fire department decided to put a little more effort into raising money.

“I’ve actually done it before but this year is one of the first years that we’ve actually kind of put something formal together at the fire hall.”

Each man said they aren’t the best at growing moustaches.

“You get lots of people looking at you and laughing because you’ve got this long handle bar moustache or whatever it happens to be,” said Enns.

“There’s a small group of us, about ten guys and were all kind of competing and bugging each other about what kind of pathetic moustaches we’re growing,” said Hurd. “Hopefully by the end of November they’ll look pretty good.”

“I am terrible at growing a moustache,” said Pacey. “I have no facial hair.”  

Despite the weird looks and comments these men are determined to help those around them.

“The biggest thing is, you know, get out there, donate and get this research started,” said Pacey.

kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter:@KaylaBruch1