If you run into a police officer in November, there may be something different about them, BEARDS or creating other ways to fundraise for No Shave CT! Beginning on November 1st and running throughout the month, more than 60 police departments, companies, universities, and individuals and counting across the state of Connecticut are putting down their razors to team up with the Connecticut Cancer Foundation to help raise funds for their No Shave CT fundraiser, presented by Schick. Funds raised will benefit five ambassadors, along with many CT cancer patients, to help with critical everyday living expenses such as rent, utilities, food and more.
Officers generally follow strict rules about facial hair, but these rules will be relaxed through the end of November. The concept is to donate the money saved on shaving supplies to a good cause, but you don’t have to grow a beard to participate, everyone is welcome! The goal is to bring assistance, attention and awareness to the needs of CT cancer patients and the financial side-effects of cancer.
Once again, the virtual event is being presented by Schick, an Edgewell Personal Care brand, headquartered in Shelton. “It’s always an honor for Schick to partner with the CT Cancer Foundation (CCF) to support the No Shave CT initiative,” said Eric O’Toole, President North America, Edgewell Personal Care. “With our headquarters in Shelton and offices in Milford, it’s important that we honor one of our core values of being a People First organization and give back to the communities in which we live and work. I know the community is so grateful for the incredible support CCF provides for its
patients, for families and their care givers throughout the state. The Edgewell team is looking forward to taking part in this years’ No Shave CT and I look forward to seeing the strong participation and support throughout the month so we can raise awareness and funds, collectively, for CCF.”
Also supporting the cause are generous sponsors Executive Auto Group, Pasta Vita, Liberty Bank, Colt Manufacturing Company LLC, and many more. Jane Ellis, CCF Executive Director, said “I am beyond thrilled and grateful to the many generous and compassionate police officers who are participating along with our charitable sponsors. Medical treatment is a key part to cancer treatment, but it will not be enough. To get through it, you need to build a CANCER TEAM with family, friends and COMMUNITY SUPPORT.”
Lt. James Cifarelli of the Wallingford PD said, “The Wallingford Police Department began No Shave November in 2017 with a national organization. It was great, our money went to research, education and other programs funded by that organization, but it lacked what is so important to us as public servants, our community. In 2018, we began working with the CT Cancer Foundation and No Shave CT. We immediately knew they were the partner we were looking for. It gave us the opportunity to help people who live right here in CT, our neighbors, friends, and family. No Shave CT gives us the opportunity to fulfill what brought us to this profession to begin with... we get to help people.”
Anyone can participate, not only police officers! The goal this year is $500,000! To join the efforts of the officers and be a part of the No Shave CT team go to www.NoShaveCT.org Ellis said, “ I can assure you; your support will truly make a direct and immediate difference in the lives of cancer patients right in our own backyards”!
The Connecticut Cancer Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1987 to provide financial assistance to CT cancer patients and their families and to fund cancer research. To learn more go to www.ctcancerfoundation.org