Hundreds of men across the north-east are preparing to abandon their razors and grow a beard to support the ARCHIE Foundation.
The Beards for Bairns campaign, which encourages men to grow facial fizz for the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital charity, lasts from Christmas Day to Burn’s Night on January 25th.
The month-long charity challenge began as the ARCHIE Foundation’s answer to Movember, the worldwide phenomenon that has men grow moustaches for male cancer charities.
In previous years manly beard growers from across the north-east raised £10,000 in their first year, £20,000 in their second year and a whopping £150,000 last year with a grand total of 550 dads, grandads, uncles, brothers and sons taking part.
And this year the ARCHIE Foundation are seeking to smash all their old targets and raise £200,000, with the backing of Aberdeen Football Club, who have supported the campaign for the past two years.
Claire Bush, ARCHIE Foundation fundraising manager said: “Beards for Bairns is the best event of the year for the ARCHIE Foundation.
“The fundraising team always have so much fun promoting it and we love seeing all the before and after pictures from our supporters.”
AFC captain Russel Anderson said: “We ha d a great time doing it last year, it’s a great local cause and as a father myself it’s something that really hits home, so we’re excited to support the campaign once again this year.”
Iain Mearns was the biggest individual giver to the campaign last year, and managed to raise more than £6,000 for ARCHIE.
Mr Mearns said: “Both of my young daughters have benefited from the ARCHIE Foundation since they were born.
“From life-saving intensive care treatment and allergy clinics in the hospital to regular physiotherapy sessions in our home, ARCHIE continues to make a positive difference to my children’s lives.
“I was delighted and proud to be part of the 2013 to 2014 record breaking Beards for Bairns campaign and would encourage you to join in this year if you can.
“It is great fun and makes a big difference for children with medical needs in the north of Scotland.”
All men need to take part in the competition is to raise a minumum of £10 and not touch their razors before Burn’s night.
To register call 01224 559559.
