Vermilion Mother Rallies Community Support For Son’s Movember Fundraiser

November is here, and one Vermilion mother is hoping the community will once again come together to support a cause close to her family’s heart.

Carrie Frederick, who works at Long’s Value Drug Mart in Vermilion, will be collecting donations throughout November in support of her son Chris and his Movember fundraising team, The Moustache Machine.

A donation box will be available on the till counter at Long’s Value Drug Mart from November 1 to 30, giving residents an opportunity to contribute to men’s health initiatives while supporting someone with hometown ties.

Last year, Carrie collected $300 for the cause, and this year she is hoping to surpass that amount with the help of the community.

For Chris, Movember is much more than an annual fundraising campaign. This year marks his 10th year participating in the initiative, and his commitment comes from a deeply personal experience.

“In January 2004, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Thanks to early detection, the support of my family and friends, and some amazing medical care, I was able to get through surgery and five years of follow-up appointments,” Chris shared.

“This past January, I celebrated 22 years cancer-free, but not everyone has the same story.”

Chris launched The Moustache Machine team in 2018, and since then, the group has raised more than $52,000 for men’s health.

This year as every year, the team is proudly representing the agricultural community, recognizing the unique challenges faced by farmers and others working in the industry.

“Every day, men across Canada and around the world face challenges with cancer and mental health, and in the agriculture industry, we know that life can be stressful. Long hours, hard work, and sometimes not enough time to look after ourselves,” Chris explained.

He hopes the campaign will encourage men to prioritize their health and remind people of the importance of looking out for one another.

“Sometimes, something as simple as checking in on a friend, a coworker, or a family member can make a real difference, and that’s what The Moustache Machine is all about.”

Adding a little fun to the campaign is Moo-stache, the team’s official mascot, who is encouraging everyone to join the herd and support the cause.

The message is simple: whether it’s growing a moustache, making a donation, or starting a conversation about men’s health, everyone can play a part.

Chris emphasized that participation isn’t about how much money someone raises.

“You don’t have to grow a moustache. You don’t have to raise thousands of dollars. Just come be part of something that matters, have some fun, and start a conversation.”

With registrations open and donations already coming in, Chris is looking forward to another successful campaign.

Here at home, Carrie is doing her part to help make that happen, and Vermilion residents have an opportunity to show just how much this community supports its own.

Anyone wishing to contribute can stop by Long’s Value Drug Mart between November 1 and 30 and leave a donation in Carrie’s collection box.

Every dollar will help support the cause, and perhaps, with a little hometown generosity, Carrie can beat last year’s $300 total and make her and her son hometown proud.

You can also donate by visiting

https://ca.movember.com/team/2296543 - Photo submitted -