Movember starts with a close shave

The fundraising effort known as Movember has begun, with hundreds of men across Saskatchewan starting the month with a clean shave.

Movember aims to raise awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental issues.

Participants raise money by going through the month allowing their facial hair to grow.

Some, like Ken Luciak, director of emergency medical services with the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, start the month by shaving off a moustache they have had for years.

I'm going ... to look kind of messy.- Movember participant Ken Luciak

"I've had my moustache almost the entire time I've been married and, of course, in my kids' lives they've never seen me without one," Luciak told CBC Radio Host Dan Reynish.

Luciak said his work in the health care field has given him great insight into the need to raise awareness about men's health.

"We've obviously been touched by many patients that we've had to care for and transport and people who have had prostate cancer," Luciak said. "Not only patients, but also people in our lives who are important to us."

He said he hopes supporters will help him reach his fundraising goal of around $1,000.

"It's been over 25 years," Luciak said, about the last time he was clean-shaven. "I'm going ... to look kind of messy-looking for the next 30 days."

Luciak's shave took place at a Regina barbershop where several people were on hand to participate in Movember.

They included Dustin Duncan, the provincial minister of health and his cabinet colleague Greg Ottenbreit, the minister of rural and remote health.

Also taking part were Ernie Polsom, from the Regina fire department; Jeff Ritter, of the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission; and Peter Jackson, a vice-president with the potash company Mosaic.