Dusters for Donations
So much more than just a laugh
Todd Colin Vaughn
Contributor
Jordan Ludwig is one of millions affected by cancer.
“My grandpa had a mix of cancers for years and years before he passed away,” said Ludwig, a former Mount Royal University business student. “My uncle had testicular cancer.
“It’s something that affects us all.”
So when November came around last year, Ludwig decided to grow some hair under his lip to raise awareness for prostate cancer — the no. 1 cancer found in males. After not fundraising last year, Ludwig took the next step and looked to contribute to spreading the word about men’s health issues and to cancer-fighting research as well.
“Awareness is important, especially for guys because we are less inclined to go to the doctor in most cases — I know I am,” he said.
He added he decided to fundraise this year because he said none one wants more people to be affected by cancer.
“I’d be happy if I could raise a thousand dollars, which is good because my dad said he would match what I raise.”
The Canadian Prostate Cancer Society of Canada has partnered with the worldwide Movember movement. Rebecca Montagne, spokesperson for the society said growing a ‘stache is a great and fun way for men to get involved with their health.
“Since 2003 the movement has raised over $176 million and in 2010, Canada raised $22.3 million alone,” said Rebecca Montagne. “The mustache is such an obvious way of raising that awareness.”
Mount Royal student Robin Darsi and his men’s league hockey team the “Puckheads” have taken awareness to heart and have raised $4,000 so far.
“This is more than just hockey, our team’s participation in Movember activities is equally as important,” Darsi said.
These activities include growing the most fantastic mov’ possible and also, according to Movember Calgary’s Facebook page, participating in a sponsored local gala or throwing your own duster-inspired extravaganza.
Ludwig said having that awareness of taking care of yourself is important and others spreading that awareness is just as important.
“I think I convinced some of my friends from work to do it, although they would say it was their idea,” he said “There’s a great camaraderie to it.”
Kent Duthie, who sported a curled mustache that Daniel Day Lewis would be jealous of, has added his own twist to the month. He has a bet with his friends that if he can raise $5,000 then he will keep the mustache for an entire year.
“I thought if I had to have something ridiculous on my face for a month, I wanted to be able to laugh every time I looked in the mirror,” Duthie added.
Ludwig plans to continue to donate his time and his Tom Selleck-esque mustache to the cause.
“I’ve done it for two years now,” he said. “I plan to keep going for a while.”