Firefighters from Shepparton Fire Brigade who participated in 'Movember' last month have surpassed their $10,000 fundraising goal, raising a total of $13,458 for men's mental and physical health.
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Photo: Shepparton News.
A group of five volunteer and 14 career members rose to the challenge to grow out their facial hair during the month of November in support and awareness of men's health.
Two female CFA members were also involved, dying their hair purple in the name of 'Mauve-mber' to help rally behind the cause.
Qualified Firefighter Daniel Maynard and Leading Firefighter Chris Bethell of Shepparton Fire brigade led the campaign and encouraged fellow brigade members to get involved together.
"It's great to see a month of light-hearted fun in growing out our moustaches and a bit of friendly rivalry between CFA members in who can raise the most has not only ended with us beating our goal, but absolutely smashing it," Mr Maynard said.
"We are all very happy with the result. It's an easy way to raise money and much needed awareness for a great cause. To have the community rally around us like they did was quite humbling."
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Photo: Shepparton News.
Several CFA vehicles, including fire trucks, were also involved in the effort, responding to incidents wearing large stick-on moustaches for the month of November.
Mr Maynard said many of the participating members were quick to shave their moustaches off once the month was complete, but there was still two who have decided to keep the new look.
"One of the firefighters has kept his moustache because he's become a fan of it, but the rest of us reached the finish line and decided it was time for a shave!" he said.
"Another member has made an arrangement with a donor to keep the moustache for another month for an extra $100 donation to the Movember cause.
"When the brigade started participating four years ago our target was $500 and the growing support we've received every year since then has been amazing.
"We'll certainly be doing it again next year, though we'll have to raise the goal to around $15,000."
The initiative didn't come without a lot of fun for them, giving them a reason to dress up as the members of Super Troopers.
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Community members can still make donations on the brigade's Movember page.
