Monthly Archives: December 2011
Airdrie, Rocky View County Firefighters Raise Cash with their ‘Staches during ‘Movember’
AIRDRIE and ROCKY VIEW COUNTY – Firefighters in Airdrie and Rocky View County put away their razors during the month of ‘Movember’ for a great cause. The firefighters raised close to $19,000 for prostate cancer research by growing moustaches and taking donations through the popular fundraiser.
Thirty-nine Airdrie firefighters grew moustaches during Movember, raising $11,010, while 37 participating Rocky View County firefighters raised $7,944. The funds will go to Prostate Cancer Canada, which co-ordinated Movember events in Canada and which raises awareness about prostate cancer, provides support to those affected and which awards prostate cancer research grants.
“This was a lot of fun, and we raised some money for a great cause,” said Trevor Breitenbucher, President of the Airdrie Emergency Services Association, which represents Airdrie firefighters. “As firefighters, we face an increased risk of numerous cancers, so this cause is very close to our hearts.”
Alberta has deemed prostate cancer to be an occupational risk among professional fire fighters for the purpose of workplace compensation benefits.
“As firefighters and as men, we know how important it is to raise awareness about prostate cancer, such as the need for early detection,” said Craig Halifax, President of the Rocky View Firefighters Association. “We were proud to grow our ‘staches during Movember and to raise money for this important cause.”
While fire fighters cannot wear beards due to the need to wear facial masks when fighting fires, they can safely sport moustaches, which makes Movember a perfect fit for them.
According to Prostate Cancer Canada, one in seven Canadian men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, a number that is expected to grow in the future. The good news is that over 90 per cent of prostate cancers can be cured if detected early.
The Airdrie and Rocky View County firefighters were among 246,060 Canadian men who participated in Movember activities which raised a total of $36.6 million, making Canada the leading country among those in which Movember events take place.
In October, Rocky View County firefighters also raised $15,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation through a CIBC Run for the Cure event.
