According to the IAFF, firefighters in Canada and the United States are embracing Movember this November by growing mustaches.
This global movement aims to raise awareness about men’s health, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Since its inception in 2003, Movember has garnered over 5 million supporters worldwide, funding more than 1,200 men’s health projects in over 20 countries.
Firefighters are actively participating by putting down their razors and growing their facial hair to support the cause.
The initiative not only promotes awareness but also fosters a sense of community among IAFF members who share similar health concerns related to their profession.
Movember reached Canada in 2007, partnering initially with a prostate cancer charity.
Firefighters in Canada, already known for their distinctive mustaches, quickly adopted the movement.
As Movember expanded to include testicular cancer and mental health, more IAFF members in Canada took part by growing their mustaches each November.
Local teams such as Surrey, BC Local 1271 and Moose Jaw, SK Local 553 are among those actively raising funds.
These efforts include social media campaigns where members post photos of their mustache progress, enhancing visibility and support for men’s health initiatives.
Since its introduction to the United States in 2007, Movember has seen significant growth, with millions participating annually.
IAFF members across various states, including Florida and New York, are leading fundraising efforts.
For instance, Metro Dade County, FL Local 1403 and Albany, NY Local 2007 are prominent contributors.
These local teams engage in friendly competitions, such as the Great Canadian Fire Challenge, to boost fundraising and awareness.
Participation extends beyond human members, with initiatives like Anchorage, AK Local 1264’s inclusion of Rocco, an Aussiedoodle, who has raised $640 since 2022.
Individual members are sharing their motivations for supporting Movember.
Tim Gnaneswaran, the U.S. director for Movember, stated: “We want men to take ownership of their health, support each other in their health.
“We want to have those hard conversations, and we want men to stop dying so young.”
In Truro, NS Local 1627 honors Skyler Blackie, a fallen firefighter who was passionate about men’s health.
Errison Blackie, Skyler’s brother and a firefighter, said: “Skyler was a huge advocate for men’s health, participating in and eventually leading many of our Movember fundraisers.”
IAFF firefighters in Canada and the United States are actively participating in Movember to support men’s health, mental health, and suicide prevention.
According to the IAFF, over 5 million supporters globally have contributed to funding more than 1,200 men’s health projects.
In Canada, IAFF locals such as Surrey, BC Local 1271 and Moose Jaw, SK Local 553 are raising funds and awareness by growing mustaches and engaging in social media campaigns.
In the U.S., members from Metro Dade County, FL Local 1403 and Albany, NY Local 2007 are leading fundraising efforts, including competitions like the Great Canadian Fire Challenge.
Personal stories from members like Tim Gnaneswaran and Errison Blackie underscore the commitment to men’s health initiatives.
The Movember campaign continues to foster community and support within the firefighting profession, promoting proactive health measures.
