The Prince Rupert Fire Rescue team gets ready to “shave” off Kasper Green’s mustache before the start of Movember in Prince Rupert B.C., on Oct. 21, 2021. (Photo: Norman Galimski/The Northern View)

By Norman Galimski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Published Nov 02, 2021

Prince Rupert Fire Rescue has issued a Movember challenge to their counterparts in blue at the RCMP, in an effort to create awareness for men’s health issues.

In previous years, members of the fire department have taken on the campaign individually, creating their own website for the awareness campaign, but this year they will participate in the annual event as a team.

“This is the first time in my 10-year career that it’s been [done] collectively as a unit,” Brody Bishop told The Northern View.

Brody Bishop “shaves” Zack Paolo’s face before the start of Movember in Prince Rupert B.C., on Oct. 21, 2021. (Photo: Norman Galimski/The Northern View)

Movember is an annual event where moustaches are grown for the entire month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues.

“The male ego is kind of a big thing to get over, right? So, we’re raising awareness,” Bishop said.

For the fire rescue team, the awareness campaign is to support those closest to them.

Remo Pomponio “shaves” Brody Bishop’s face before the start of Movember in Prince Rupert B.C., on Oct. 21, 2021. (Photo: Norman Galimski/The Northern View)

“We’ve got a retired captain that’s dealing with prostate cancer right now,” Marvin Kristoff said.

For Kristoff, men’s health issues have affected him closer to home. His dad recently underwent prostate surgery and his uncle is dealing with prostate cancer.

“Just get tested, get tested, get tested,” Kristoff said. “Guys get shy when you hear the word prostate and testing … but, dude, it’s important. Catch this early before you get some cancers or issues like that,” Kristoff said.

“Whenever in doubt, get tested,” Bishop said.

The Movember Foundation runs the Movember.com charity and awareness movement. Donations to the Prince Rupert Fire Rescue’s fundraising campaign can be made on their online page.

This item is reprinted with permission from Prince Rupert Northern View. See article HERE.

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