A challenge is being issued to encourage residents to grow some facial hair to help raise funds for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital.
Doug Nugent, Co-Chair for the Black Walnut Prostate Cancer Support Group, says they’re launching their Dare to Flash a Stache fundraiser in order to raise more awareness about the disease.
He says proceeds will go to the hospital’s Cancer Care Coach Program, as well as the Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
“Since we started up, we’ve raised between $150-160,000 for each hospital, and the money that goes to Ottawa, because of their leveraging, every dollar we give to them turns into $10,” Nugent said.
The fundraiser is kicking off during Men’s Health Month, and people are encouraged to sign up a team and challenge family, neighbours, colleagues, or businesses.
Nugent says unlike Movember, every cent raised through this fundraiser stays local.
According to Nugent, prostate cancer affects 1 in 9 men, and is the leading form of cancer in Canadian men.
Nugent says the goal of this fundraiser is to take away the stigma associated with prostate cancer.
“Stay positive, and don’t be afraid to talk to family and friends,” Nugent said. “To me, that’s the key. I had amazing support, I talked about it, and the reason I talk about it is because I want other men to get tested.”
Nugent says they’re hoping to raise $20,000 through the campaign.
To register, you can reach out to the Black Walnut Group through their Facebook page.