Firefighters make a difference three ways

As if wearing a firefighting uniform is attention-grabbing enough, members of 23 Squadron Fire Section grew (or stuck on) moustaches to stand out even more, for a great cause.

CAPTION:From left, Leading Aircraftman Luke Seaton, Corporal Kerry Cane and Leading Aircraftwoman Amber Herz, of 23 Squadron Firefighters, before the 60-kilometre breathing apparatus walk. Story by Flight Lieutenant Suellen Heath. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Timothy Shorter.

For the month of November, aviators in the RAAF Base Amberley Fire Section participated in Movember to help raise awareness and funding to address men’s health issues.

Leading the movement, Leading Aircraftmen Luke Seaton said participants supported the charity’s work to combat preventable deaths in young men. The charity focuses on spreading awareness of mental health, and prostate and testicular cancer – three of the most common causes of young male deaths.

Leading Aircraftmen Seaton said donations were raised in three ways – “through a bad moustache competition, completing a 60-kilometre breathing apparatus walk event and selling special-edition 23 Squadron Movember patches”.

“We did not expect the patches to be so popular when we first started the process but they sold out within four days of being delivered,” he said.

“A lot of people are enthusiastic to get behind the Movember movement.”

The global movement encourages participants to grow a moustache, have a ‘mo-ment’ or make a move – for example, walking or running 60 kilometres to bring awareness to statistics showing that every hour globally, 60 young men take their own lives.

“We did a one-day event where we walked a combined 60 kilometres, while wearing the standard firefighter breathing apparatus,” Leading Aircraftmen Seaton said.

“We are extremely happy with our efforts, raising $2756 as a section, currently ranking us eighth in the Defence Movember Movement, which raised $69,775.”

“Now seeing the success of this year’s effort, our section has already started planning next year’s Movember special edition merchandise.

“Our plan is to be bigger and better, for more even more impact.”

If you would like to support this great cause or participate next year, find information here Movember – Changing the face of men’s health – Movember

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