Newfoundland & Labrador Beard & Moustache Club
Partner
Atlantic
"One of our organization’s proudest moments in supporting Canadian Blood Services is when we’ve heard people tell us that the reason they started donating regularly was because of the promotion we’ve done as a club. That’s beautiful, because giving blood is such a simple, but kind, gesture that is often easily overlooked."
Mermen aren’t just mythical creatures: they’re real, they attend donation events (on land) and they save as many lives as they can.
Formed in 2017, the Newfoundland & Labrador Beard & Moustache Club promotes “a positive image for facial hair” while also supporting local community groups and charities.
Since partnering with Canadian Blood Services in summer 2018, the NLBMC has adopted, volunteered, invited the community to and donated at three blood donation events — attracting national and international media in the process. “We donate blood in our MerB’ys (mermen) tails,” explains Jeff Hillyard, NLBMC vice-president.
(The group is famous for a fundraising calendar featuring burly, bearded mermen set against the scenic backdrop of Newfoundland. Published annually by NLBMC, the calendar earned viral buzz last year.)
“The NLBMC is about shining a light on organizations that help others, but who may sometimes not receive the recognition they need,” says Jeff.
