You may notice that North Battleford mayor Ian Hamilton is sporting more facial hair than he usually does.
The mayor has confirmed he has joined in a city challenge to grow a moustache as part of "Movember" efforts to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer.
A city team of several members has been formed to take up the challenge. The team is captained by financial director Matthew Hartney, who Hamilton said was the instigator for the idea.
Hartney, who had been known to wear a moustache in the past, had gone clean shaven recently in preparation for growing a moustache again in the Movember challenge.
"We're looking for pledges for people to get behind us," said Hamilton, who adds "it's all for a good cause." The pledges will all go towards cancer research.
You can pledge for the city team at this website: ca.movember.com/team/651073.
So far, Deputy Fire Chief Brian Wilson leads the city team challenge with $140 in donations. So far, $165 has been raised, but they are hoping to raise even more money by the time it is over.
Hamilton noted he's participated in other events to raise awareness as well.
"I've participated in a couple of events here within the last number of years on council and as mayor with the Ride for Dad," he said. That motorcycle rally event to promote prostate cancer awareness was held again this past summer and North Battleford was one of the stops.
"It was an awesome sight to see some 500 to 600 bikes lined up in the Gold Ridge parking lot," the mayor said.
The level of participation at that event impressed Hamilton.
"It was overwhelming that there was that much behind it."
There is a more personal connection behind the mayor's involvement in Movember, however.
"My wife's father succumbed to prostate cancer a number of years ago," said Hamilton.
Movember is simply another way to get people talking openly about prostate cancer, he said. Awareness of the disease is key, said the mayor, as is early detection and annual checkups.
"For an extremely treatable disease it takes too many lives, that's for sure," said Hamilton.
Hamilton isn't the only politician getting involved in the Movember effort. Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall announced earlier that he was growing a Movember moustache, much to the dismay of his wife and his staff, he said.
"Good for him," was the mayor's reaction, who adds "I hear he's doing very well."
