Movember hair is ready to come off

MOVEMBER MEMBERS: Staff at the Department of Corrections, along with some police, have participated in Movember, with a competition to see who could produce the best facial growth. They will find out the winner and shave off the hair on Saturday night. Some of the participants and their supporters are pictured at the Corrections offices. In front are Mark Woolley (probation officer) and Mark Francis (practice leader), behind them are ‘‘Mo-Sistas’’ Mary Reedy and Anna Adam (both probation officers) and Rachel Young (administration officer), while at the back are Theo Akroyd (probation officer), Detective Matt Harvey, Leigh Smith and Rei Turner (probation officers). Picture by Liam Clayton

Police and the staff at the Department of Corrections in Gisborne have been in a friendly competition this month to see who could raise the most money as part of the annual Movember fundraiser.

Movember is a charity tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

All participants paid a registration fee depending on how much or how little hair they were growing on their faces before the start of the month.

“If they were clean-shaven, it cost them $20 to start a moustache or beard, for the those with an exsiting ‘mo’ or beard the cost was $30, and we charged $50 for those prepared to support but not participate,” said organiser Rachel Young.

“Movember is in support of the wonderful guys we have working here at Corrections. A few of them have had family members affected by cancer and they wanted to show their support.”

Women in the office showed their support by becoming ‘Mo-Sistas’ and helping their ‘Bros’ with their fundraising efforts.

“We invited Gisborne police to participate as well, for just a bit of healthy, friendly competition.”

Some fundraising was done by holding a ‘‘Loud Clothes Day’’ that raised $65, but the main effort has been the participants sourcing their own sponsorship and donations from family, friends and workmates.

“There have been some impressive ‘‘Mos’’ around the office and some have even earned the nickname ‘‘Chopper’’.

“Others have said that they hate it and cannot wait until Saturday night when they can shave the hair off.”

Ms Young said one of the wives paid her husband $100 to shave it off, because she could not handle it any more.

“It has all been a lot of fun for a very good cause.”

The probation team involved include Theo Akroyd, Garth Newman, Johann Schutte, Mark Woolley, Rick Christie, Mark Francis, Ed Karauria, Reihana Turner, Guy Midford, Jay Ngarimu, Lyall Anania, William Taiapa, Hori Herne, Stan Matchitt, Ross Buchanan, Tama Pohatu and Kereopa Wharehinga.

The police team included Matt Harvey, Jason Whitehead, Tyson Maraki, Rihara Houia, Michael Trotter, Sean Burgess, Cory Garrett and Nigel Henstock.