A group of spirited individuals from Canada embraced a whimsical project to create a calendar featuring bearded men dressed as mermaids, with the aim of raising funds for a charitable cause that supports mental health. This initiative, led by the Newfoundland and Labrador Beard and Moustache Club, has successfully generated an impressive $300,466 through calendar sales, benefiting Spirit Horse—an organization that employs therapeutic interactions with horses to bolster mental health and life skills.
The founder and president of the club, Alex Thompson, recounted how the idea blossomed after he came across a photo of a bearded man in a merman costume. “A friend encouraged me to pursue this concept, and without much deliberation, I jumped in with an enthusiastic yes,” Thompson explained. He subsequently reached out to friends and acquaintances via social media, gauging interest in this quirky calendar project, which quickly attracted a diverse group of participants.
According to Thompson, the motivations for joining varied among the men. Many were looking for a fun experience and were willing to step outside their comfort zones as long as someone else took the lead. “Several participants overcame significant social anxieties and body image concerns to contribute to this project, and the growth they experienced was remarkable,” he noted. Despite the challenges, the camaraderie that formed among the group was a highlight of the experience.
The calendar quickly gained traction online, leading to a sellout that brought immense satisfaction to the contributors, who had committed from the outset to donate all proceeds. “We were always focused on supporting a non-profit; profit was never a concern for us. Giving back to the community is a core value of our club,” Thompson affirmed.
Just a week prior to conceptualizing the calendar, Thompson learned about Spirit Horse during the opening of the ‘Hope Arena,’ a facility dedicated to equine interaction. Inspired by the founder Erin Gallant’s passion for helping those with mental health challenges, he realized this was the organization he wanted to support. The enthusiasm from the beard club was unanimous.
Photographer Emily Brooks, who captured many of the calendar images, described the shoot as a departure from her usual work. “I mainly focus on photojournalism, so this was a unique experience,” Brooks shared. “The guys were incredibly open to my ideas, and we had a lot of laughs during the shoot, even amidst the cold weather.” The playful atmosphere was infectious, with everyone enjoying the quirky costumes.
Brooks also seized the opportunity to teach her daughter about the importance of community support. “This has been one of the most fulfilling experiences, and my daughter Sophie assisted me, learning alongside us about the power of collective action for a good cause,” she explained. The positive feedback from audiences worldwide was an unexpected bonus. “People really appreciate our efforts and understand the message we aimed to convey,” Brooks added.
While primarily a social organization, the beard club is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity. “We aim to unite individuals from all backgrounds who share a commitment to giving back meaningfully,” Thompson stated. The impact of their fundraising was profound, as Gallant expressed her astonishment at the donation: “I was completely taken aback. It’s a significant contribution that will help many individuals for a long time.”
The moment they presented the donation to Spirit Horse was emotional. “There were tears, gasps, and a lot of joy in the room,” Thompson recounted. “Everyone recognized the importance of our campaign and the difference it would make for individuals needing access to mental health services not covered by provincial health care.”
In summary, this creative endeavor by the Newfoundland and Labrador Beard and Moustache Club not only showcased humor and camaraderie but also highlighted the importance of mental health support, demonstrating how community initiatives can lead to substantial positive change.