Glen Ridgway has decided to flip the annual “Movember” fundraiser on its head.
Ridgway, a former councillor in North Cowichan, a Freeman of the Municipality and a prominent local lawyer, had his familiar moustache, which has been on his face for more than five decades, shaved off instead of growing one, as is the usual course for people participating in the international fundraiser.
He said he would have his moustache shaved off if at least $1,500 was raised for the causes Movember is known for, which is to raise awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
Local businessman John Hindle said that so far, $2,700 has been raised for the cause this year, but he thinks approximately $4,000 could be raised by the end of the month.
“Glen’s shave is raising a lot more money than anticipated,” Hindle said as Ridgway’s moustache was being shaved off at The Society barbershop by owner Ian Smith on Nov. 14.
“I called my son Craig Hindle, who is the sales manager at Island GM, and challenged him to try to raise money for the cause and between him, other staff members at the dealership and [Island GM owner] Randy Westlake, they raised the $1,500 by themselves, and the rest we’ve been getting from other people in the community.”
Hindle said he and a group of friends decided to begin raising money for Movember over coffee last year after a friend died of cancer, and managed to raise approximately $1,200 in 2021.
He said if anyone wants to donate to his Movember team, go to the Movember website, click on the “donate button” and write in “Andrew Hindle” in the Find a Person or Team space.
“All the money raised by my team will come back to Canada,” he said.
Asked after the shave about how he feels about losing the moustache that he has had for the majority of his life, Ridgway said he has no issues with it.
“It’s for a good cause and, besides, I’ll probably grow it back in about three weeks,” he said with a chuckle.
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As Christmas approaches, Merridale Cidery and Distillery is inviting people to gather with friends, family and co-workers to celebrate the Holidays at the orchard
Starting Nov. 18, Merridale’s orchard, eatery and farmstore will be transformed into a winter wonderland where even Scrooge could be found smiling with delight.
From the twinkling light displays, farm-to-fork family style meals and festive cider, spirits and cocktails, Merridale farm is the ideal location to celebrate this season.
As dusk approaches, the Merridale courtyard comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights and holiday displays.
“There’s not a lot of options for families to do for free around the holidays,” said Janet Docherty, co-owner of Merridale.
“We wanted to give back to our community and create an amazing atmosphere that brings people together. So, we created this enchanting light show in the courtyard and orchard for everyone to enjoy. You can warm up with mulled cider and treats available inside the eatery, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere.”
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The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce will hold its AGM on Nov. 22 at the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club in which the business organization will review the past year and look forward to its goals for 2023.
The special guest speaker at the AGM will be Naomi Low, executive director of the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation.
Members in good standing will also elect or acclaim new and returning directors at the AGM.
Please note that membership investments must be paid up to date in order to vote at the AGM.
“While we welcome multiple representatives from your business or organization, there is a single vote per member organization,” the chamber said.
“Networking begins at 5:30 p.m., and the AGM starts at 6 p.m.”
People wishing to attend can register online, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.
Tickets are $25 each and the AGM is for chamber members only.
robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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