COLUMBIA VALLEY — Movember and RCMP aren’t things you’d think would go hand in hand. However Cst. Tim Harper of the Columbia Valley RCMP detachment says, “Movember is on!”

Harper began raising money for men’s health three years ago but wanted to step it up this year and approached Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac about involving the whole detachment. Shehovac says the RCMP have some pretty stringent guidelines when it comes to hygiene and appearance. “This is a very worthy cause, so I’ve been able to relax some of the guidelines to allow our Members to take part in Movember,” he said.

Of course, Shehovac has sported a moustache for several years. “I’m not sure how long it’s been,” he says, “I was clean shaven when I got married but it’s likely been about 30 years since I’ve seen my upper lip.”

As an incentive to detachment members, Shehovac has agreed to shave his mustache off if they raise a minimum of $1,000 for Movember Canada. Harper is asking for the public’s help by making donations to Movember’s health partner Prostrate Cancer Canada. Go to the website mobro.co/ColumbiaValleyRCMP to make your donation. Cash or cheques payable to Movember Canada can be dropped off at the Columbia Valley RCMP detachment.

The month of November has been dedicated to raising awareness and funding for men’s health for several years now. According to the Movember Canada website on average men die five to six years younger than women.

The participants at the Columbia Valley RCMP detachment are eligible for a best/worst certificate and prize. They challenge other men and businesses to take part in the fundraising. For more information contact Harper at 250-342-9292.