Firefighters raise $7k for charity
Putting their facial hair to the test has paid off for firefighters who’ve managed to raise almost $7000 for Movember.
The Flaming Moe’s is a team of 65 firefighters from around the country, with a strong contingent coming from the Parnell, Ponsonby and Central City stations.
They came in at number six on the national fundraising leaderboard.
‘‘We were a little bit blown away by the support because there were only 14 guys doing it last year,’’ team leader Tony Scott says.
‘‘For us it’s not just about the fundraising but showing each other that we’re doing it for a reason,’’ he says.
Creativity was rife but the good old handlebar moustache wasn’t an option, Scott says.
Facial hair can affect the mask firefighters wear for their breathing apparatus and so there are regulations on moustache size. ‘‘There were still some good ones though,’’ Scott says.
More than $1 million was raised nationally during Movember.
‘‘Thank you to all our Mo bros and sistas,’’ Movember Foundation New Zealand manager Robert Dunne says.
‘‘It’s your efforts that make it possible for us to continue our work improving and saving the lives of men affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health problems,’’ he says.
The Flaming Moe’s are already making plans for next year.
Auctioning the opportunity to shave off the moustaches is an option.
‘‘The coolest thing about this year is all the guys thinking about what we can do next year,’’ Scott says.