WHEN it comes to taking on a challenge, the guys at the Lake Cathie Rural Fire Service are never backwards in coming forwards.
This group of 40-plus volunteers is always willing to turn out to help the community, whether it’s fighting a fire locally or helping out their fellow volunteers up the road.
But their latest challenge is proving tough in an entirely different way, and one they have little control over: Movember.
Yes, the guys have joined in the national men’s Movember challenge, and as of 1 November the razors have been put away and it’s full-on hair-growing, with no amount of cajoling having any impact on how fast their facial hair grows, although several vouch that rubbing in beer does help.
Spokesperson Mark Allen said it was the first time they had joined in the Movember challenge, but he had no trouble getting all his fellow volunteers to sign up.
“The guys always keen to be involved in charity fund-raising,” he said.
“We thought this was a good cause as the money goes to men’s health and things like cancer and depression.
“But also we hope it raises community awareness of the Lake Cathie brigade and the Rural Fire Service.”
Mark says none of them cleared their decision to grow moustaches with their partners first, but once over the initial shock and the early itchiness all their wives and girlfriends had been very supportive.
“My wife was in Sydney when I told her and hated the idea at first, but now she’s okay with it,” he said with a laugh.
Their mo-growing attempts have already caused some funny situations and looks, with more to come.
He himself had to go to a parents’ info night at a school when it looked as if he had just not bothered to shave for several days. Another volunteer’s wife was due to have a baby late in the month, so all the baby pics he’s in will show him with a moustache.
One of the biggest decisions was which type of mo to grow, with the Movember website offering participants a wide choice.
“I’m going for a handlebar one myself,” Mark said.
Another is going for the caterpillar (not an official type!) and many others again are going for “anything we can grow”.
The early leader seven days in was Aaron Burgess with a yet-to-be-determined type of moustache.
If you would like to cheer the guys on in their fund-raising by donating, go to www.movember.com and click on donate at the top right of the page and search for Lake Cathie RFS.
You can make a donation to the brigade itself and their important fire-fighting work when they hit the road on 28 and 29 December with their annual Christmas bucket fund-raiser.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
THE Lake Cathie division of the Rural Fire Service and the many other brigades in the region are always looking for volunteers.
You don’t have to just be fit and strong and prepared to tackle fires because there are many back-up positions available, such as admin, radio and catering. The minimum age is 16.
In addition to the serious work of fighting fires, all the brigades have a busy list of social events and are fun groups to be part of.
For more information contact your local brigade or visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
