Joel Wood and Jordan Whitefield and are both active firefighters for the Gisborne Fire Brigade and this year are taking part in Movember alongside many other Gisborne brigade members.
(Masks were removed for the purpose of this photo and physical distancing was maintained at all times)
Movember is a global fundraiser making a difference in mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
So far the brigade has raised over $330 and has set a goal of reaching $1,411 by the end of Movember, 30 November.
Firefighter Joel Wood said the brigade set this goal as it’s the average number of men who lose their life each year to health problems or mental health.
“This is my second year taking part in Movember,” Joel said. “There’s a big group of us who take part and this year there’s around eight.”
Joel has been with CFA for almost 15 years and started as a junior firefighter.
“Movember is an important reminder for men to not be afraid to talk about their health, especially with their close mates.
“They’re the ones who are going to look after you the most and push you to get things checked if you’re not feeling one hundred per cent.
“They’ll hold you accountable because they’re’ the ones who care about you the most.
“For me, each year it’s sort of been something that we all felt passionate about,” Joel added. “Last year it hit home because my grandfather was in the later stages of prostate cancer and two days after we finished he passed away.
“This year probably means a little bit more to me for that reason.”
For Firefighter Jordan Whitefield this is his first year taking part in Movember.
“This year is particularly important to focus on your health,” Jordan said. “With everything that’s going on and the stresses that this year’s brought, it’s definitely more important than ever.
“Make sure you go get things checked out and don’t wait till it’s too late, make sure you look after your mental health as well.
CFA has currently raised over $10,000 for Movember and hopes to beat last year’s grand total of $29,242.
You can donate to the Gisborne Fire Brigade and follow their journey on their Movember page.
Money raised will go towards funding and delivering mental health services and help meet Movember’s goal of reducing male suicide by 25 per cent by 2030.
We are once again encouraging member to join the CFA page and see how we are doing in the First Responders Challenge.
CFA Wellbeing Support Line
If you are not OK, or if you notice a change in someone you know, contact the CFA Wellbeing Support Line on 1800 959 232 to access free, confidential support that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Wellbeing services are available to all CFA volunteers, employees and their immediate family members.
To view the complete range of services, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/wellbeing
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