In a creative initiative that blends humor with philanthropy, a group of Canadian gentlemen from the Newfoundland and Labrador Beard and Moustache Club has launched a calendar featuring themselves as bearded mermen. This unique project has successfully raised over $300,000 for Spirit Horse, an organization dedicated to improving mental health through therapeutic interactions with horses.
The brainchild of Marcus Hale, president of the beard club, the calendar emerged from a whimsical suggestion from a friend. “When I saw a photo of a bearded guy dressed as a merman, I thought, ‘Why not?’” Hale reflected. Shortly thereafter, a Facebook post gauging interest attracted a flurry of responses from both friends and strangers eager to join this quirky venture.
The participants, nicknamed “Merb’ys,” signed up for various reasons, mainly viewing the project as a fun challenge. Many faced their own social anxieties and body image concerns, yet they embraced the opportunity, forming new friendships along the way. Hale expressed, “It was never about profit; our club values giving back to the community, and this felt like a fantastic way to do it!”
Just a week before the calendar’s conception, Hale discovered Spirit Horse at an event featuring its founder, Erin Gallant. Inspired by her passion for the cause, he knew he wanted to support the organization wholeheartedly.
Photographer Lisa Carter, who captured the Merb’ys in action, described the experience as exhilarating. “I’ve never done anything quite like this before,” she stated. “The guys were completely open to my ideas, and we shared plenty of laughs throughout the shoot.” Despite the chilly weather, spirits were high, as they donned mermaid tails and glittery beards.
This project not only aimed to raise funds but also to promote mental wellness and body positivity. The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the lighthearted approach to such critical issues. “We wanted to create something that would bring joy and laughter while also raising awareness,” Carter added.
The beard club prides itself on fostering inclusivity and diversity, uniting individuals from various backgrounds who share a common goal of giving back. The impact of their fundraising efforts has been profound. Gallant described her reaction to receiving the donation as one of disbelief and gratitude, remarking, “This will help a lot of people for a very long time.”
When it came time to present the check to Spirit Horse, emotions ran high. “There were tears and joy, a true acknowledgment of the campaign’s power and its potential impact,” Hale recalled.
In summary, the Bearded Mermen Dudeoir Calendar is not just a humorous take on a traditional calendar; it embodies a heartfelt commitment to improving mental health through community support. For those interested in further exploring home insemination options, consider checking out this artificial insemination kit, which provides valuable insights. Similarly, for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, the Mayo Clinic’s resources are an excellent reference. Discover more about related topics at Modern Family Blog, an authority on family and community issues.