WINCHESTER — Final tallies of the annual ‘Dare to Flash a Stache’ campaign will be released this evening when organizers present their cheques to the recipient institutions that help local men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
A local spin on the ‘Movember’ movement, thirteen men participated in ‘Dare to Flash a ’Stache’ by growing moustaches and collecting combined pledges of just over $9,550 during November. Proceeds were split between the charitable foundations at Winchester District Memorial Hospital and the Ottawa Hospital — specifically for WDMH’s Cancer Care Navigator program and prostate cancer research in Ottawa.
Kickoff for the 2018 effort was marked Nov. 1 at Cup of Jo’s in Winchester, and the same venue will host tonight’s (Jan. 21) overall cheque presentations.
Flashback, Dec. 1, 2018 wrap-up
The resulting moustaches of Dare to Flash a ’Stache were officially celebrated with a Dec. 1 event and cake at Winchester Foodland, where hairdresser Marie Byre clipped proprietor Dan Pettigrew’s beard and soup strainer as part of the spectacle (away from the cake).
Top Dare to Flash a ‘Stache pledge collector Ted Ceelen poses with Paul Allan, judged to have one of the most creative moustaches of the campaign. Zandbergen photo, Nation Valley News
Above, Pettigrew is shaved at the conclusion of Dare to Flash a ‘Stache.
While impressive, Pettigrew’s $1,721 raised — thanks in large measure to employees at his store — didn’t put him into first place in amount collected. That honour fell to Ted Ceelen, who brought in more than $2,400.
Other ’stache benchmarks were set by Paul Mayott (bushiest), brightest (David at Foodland), Keith Fong (Best Attempt), Paul Allan and Doug Nugent (Most Creative) and Tom Clapp (Most Santa-like).
Organizers continued to accept Dare to Flash a ’Stache donations until the end of December, so the true figure raised by the 2018 campaign won’t be known until tonight’s event at Cup of Jo’s.
Flashback: Dare to Flash a ‘Stache kickoff, Nov. 1, 2018
Cup of Jo’s proprietor Joanne Houle got into the spirit of Dare to Flash A ‘Stache at the annual event’s Nov. 1 kickoff at her establishment. The Main Street, Winchester, coffee shop had recently added craft beer taps. Zandbergen photo, Nation Valley News
Enjoying the Nov. 1 launch of Dare to Flash a ‘Stache, from left, Nathan TerHorst, Kyle Johnson and mayors Steven Byvelds (South Dundas) and Tony Fraser (North Dundas). Zandbergen photo, Nation Valley News
Above, Tom Clapp of the Black Walnut support group speaks at the Dare to Flash a ‘Stache kickoff. Also introduced is Larry Peckford — brother of former Newfoundland premier Brian Peckford — chair of Prostate Cancer Canada Network, Ottawa.
Local pianist Carl Hutchinson (left) poses with Larry Peckford, chair of Prostate Cancer Canada Network Ottawa. Zandbergen photo, Nation Valley News