Township of Tiny firefighters have kicked off the Movember challenge with a boot drive to raise funds and awareness for men’s health.
“Every year, first responders across the country show up in support of Movember,” said Samantha Barnett, a Tiny firefighter, who serves as Movember team captain.
During an event outside the Midland McDonald's location Monday afternoon, Barnett and other firefighters raised funds for the cause by having area residents drop coins or bills into their large rubber boots.
“It is important for us to identify, support and build evidence for programs that are truly making a difference to the lives of men and their families," Barnett said.
"I may not be able to grow a moustache, but I can move to support my brothers and educate our community on the importance of men’s health.”
The annual moustache-starring campaign encourages Movember community members across the region to rally in in support of Movember's cause areas: men's mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Four out of five suicides are by men, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and testicular cancer continues to be the most diagnosed cancer in young men.
As well, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on the mental and physical health of men across the country. Through funds raised over the years, Movember has invested in more than 1,250 critical projects that aim to stop men from dying too young.
“Movember provides an opportunity to build community awareness,” said Tiny Mayor Cornell, “while also raising funds for lifesaving research and programs aimed at helping our fathers, partners, brothers, friends, and sons from dying too young.
Last year, Tiny Township firefighters raised more than $19,000 throughout November.
To learn more about the firefighters participating in Movember or to donate to the Tiny firefighters' Movember campaign, click here.
