STERLING — Members of the police department are taking No Shave November to great lengths, extending it into the month of December.
Participants forgo shaving and grooming in order to inspire conversation and raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Recently promoted Sgt. Ryan Ferguson said the department has participated since 2015 in the typically monthlong experience, but that this year they decided to do things a little differently.
“This year, we decided to fundraise for ‘Cops for Kids wCancer,’ a local law enforcement-based charity that we met when they recently provided support for a young friend of ours from Sterling who was fighting a rare brain tumor,” Ferguson said.
To date they have raised well over $2,200 for the nonprofi t organization, which is focused on raising funds to help families of children fighting cancer and improve their quality of life. Ferguson said when they approached Police Chief Sean Gaudette with the idea to continue their efforts another month, “It was apparent to us that he recognized the importance of the program and what it brought to both the department and to this year’s charity.”
Gaudette said he was happy to honor the side bet the officers made with him that if they raised at least 50% of their goal last month, they would be able to keep their beards until the end of the year.
“No Shave November has always been a way for the officers to draw attention to a good cause. It seemed like a good twist to offer an incentive for the officers participating to extend their bearded time,” Gaudette said, adding that “they have almost attained the 100% amount.”
“I’m proud to work with officers who care about community and congratulate them on winning the bet.”
Ferguson said with the chief’s support, nine officers began fundraising at the beginning of November through word of mouth and social media announcements.
“Recognizing the opportunity to raise even more money, Chief Gaudette challenged these officers to double their efforts by setting a campaign goal amount,” he said.
On Nov. 23, that goal was met, and Gaudette authorized No-Shave November to continue through the end of December.
“Participating in this fundraiser has always been important to us because it’s a way for us to engage with our community and raise money for a good cause,” Ferguson said. “The facial hair creates conversation when we interact with the public, and it’s a great opportunity to spread the word, as we have all been affected by cancer in one way or another.”
The fundraising link, copsforkidswithcancer. org/sterling- police-ps-nsn-2022, will be up until the new year. Ferguson said he and the rest of the bearded crew appreciate the community’s backing of their meaningful endeavor and additional outreach efforts. “The public support for all of our fundraising efforts has been inspirational to us all,” he said. “Every year we reach out to the public for their support for various fundraisers, and they have always humbled us with their willingness to help support us in any way. Whether it’s the trucks full of Toys for Tots that are donated every Christmas, to our most recent Pink Patch Project that raised over $1,800 for the Ellie Fund, the public support of our efforts is truly treasured and appreciated.”
