CFA volunteers are facing a hairy month ahead, with members across the state signing up for the annual Movember challenge.
It’s the 17th year of the campaign that encourages people to support men’s health, with CFA brigades and individual members registering for the challenge.
CFA volunteer Chris Morgan is leading the Officer Fire Brigade team in this year’s challenge, and says the group has set a high target.
“I don’t think $5,000 is too outlandish between around nine or ten of us,” said Chris.
“But even if we get halfway there, every dollar goes towards helping fund another counsellor or supporting organisations like Men’s Shed that help bring men together to talk.”
While the campaign encourages people to grow a mo, Chris said the fancy facial hair isn’t the only way that CFA members will be participating in Movember, with Mo-Bros and Mo-Sisters able to fundraise through fitness challenges, or by hosting virtual events.
“Obviously at the moment it’s a bit hard for people to have gatherings in Victoria, but there are lots of people who will be taking part in the Move for Movember challenge and running, walking or riding a few ks.
“It doesn’t really matter what you do as it’s just about getting out there and making sure people understand what Movember is about.”
Chris said Movember’s First Responders Challenge also adds some friendly competition to the fundraising efforts.
“A bit of rivalry always helps the fundraising challenge, and of course it’s all going to a good cause.
“We’ve seen fire trucks and other CFA vehicles included in the effort in previous years, and responding to incidents wearing large stick-on moustaches throughout the month of November.”
Registrations can be made at movember.com with participants to shave down before starting to grow the mo on 1 November.
