By Mitchell Clarke
The blokes at the brigade have let themselves go and grown out the ‘crumb catchers’ in a bid to raise awareness for men’s health as part of Movember.
With the month drawing to a close, eight members of the Officer Fire Brigade have joined together to raise over $2500 towards the cause, which is committed to changing the face of men’s health.
Officer Fire Brigade volunteer Chris Morgan has taken part in Movember for the last four years but decided he’d pitch the idea to his team, with the Captain supportive of the campaign.
“We have a really great team and this is such a great foundation which speaks to a lot of our members,” Mr Morgan said.
“We all know someone who has been affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide.”
The Officer crew, led by Chris, is made up of seven men and one woman, who all received funds from family and friends while social media posts garnered the attention of strangers who wanted to do their bit by helping the quest.
“The power of our brigade and other first responders taking part and raising awareness is amazing,” Mr Morgan said.
“We are leaders within our communities and we can make a huge impact when it comes to bringing these key men’s health issues to everyone’s attention.”
Meanwhile, the Bunyip Fire Brigade decided to also get behind the cause and grow out the lip warmers after one of their own was sadly diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier in the year.
“For the members at Bunyip, the motivation is closer to home with several members being affected in one way or another by cancer and mental health matters over a period of time,” First Lieutenant Jason Boler said.
But the cancer diagnosis of popular brigade life member and ex-captain John Legione provided even more motivation for the group to do their part while the valued member undergoes active surveillance.
“John and his fellow firefighters encourage all people, but especially men, to ensure that they have a regular check up and talk to their friends, mates and family about their feelings and their health,” Mr Boler added.
Participating members have raised almost $400 for the cause, with the boys set to shave off their stache at the Bottom Pub in Bunyip on Friday 29 November.
To donate to the teams, visit https://moteam.co/officer-cfa?mc=1 and https://mobro.co/14069007?mc=1.
