British Columbia

COVID can’t stop Grieg’s Movember team from raising over $2,500 for men’s health

Grieg BC's Movember team didn't let a global pandemic get in their way of raising money for men's health initiatives in the name of a co-worker's father.

This year, Grieg’s Movember campaign looked a little different than in the past, but that didn’t stop the Grieg Mo’ team from raising over $1,285 for men’s health, which was matched by the company to total a $2,570 donation to the Movember Foundation.

Liam Peck was one of this year’s team leaders for Grieg’s Movember campaign, which consisted of employees across multiple departments, including Fish Health, Environmental and Operations.

“Unfortunately, the Movember campaign (like most other things) was impacted by the pandemic. The whole point of Movember is to grow a moustache with the hope that it acts as a conversation starter,” Peck said.

“All too often conversations around men’s health don’t happen or happen too late. A silly moustache opens the door to talk about ‘sensitive’ or ‘uncomfortable’ topics. In an environment where we are reducing our social interactions, it’s even harder to start those conversations, despite the soup-strainers.”

With the Grieg office in Campbell River closed except for a small skeleton crew, it was difficult for the Mo’ team to beat last year’s record of raising $2,280 before matching, however that didn’t dishearten the team at all.

“I’m happy with anything we can contribute as a team,” Peck said. “I’m especially thankful to everyone who donated, and I’m pleased with what we were able to accomplish, given the challenge of a global pandemic looming over so many fundraising efforts. It’s a goal to beat for next year, and I’m especially thankful to Grieg for supporting our team by continuing to match funds raised.”

This year, Grieg’s Mo’ team dedicated their campaign to Ron Maximick, father to their Grieg colleague Katie. Ron passed away in September from cancer and was well known in the Comox Valley and Port McNeill for his height and his legendary moustache.

“When a member of our Grieg family loses a loved one it hits home pretty hard,” Peck said. “Ron was a father, a grandpa, a husband, a brother, an uncle and a friend, and the Movember movement is all about ensuring that health issues impacting fathers, grandpas, husbands, brothers, uncles and friends are well funded, and that in times of need, those men in our lives have access to all of the resources they need.”

This year's Movember campaign efforts were dedicated to Ron Maximick, father of Grieg employee Katie, seen here.

Peck said that the Movember Foundation exists to help men live happier, healthier and longer lives. The act of growing facial hair while fundraising over the month of November has been the main driver since the initiative started years ago, however the fundraiser has evolved to be more inclusive.

“I think it’s important to acknowledge that Movember is for everyone – not just those capable of sprouting some lip hairs. If someone can’t or doesn’t want to grow a ‘stache, the Movember foundation has other ways for anyone to participate,” he said. “The ‘Mo Your Own Way’ option of Movember is a choose-your-own-adventure challenge epic in scope and scale. Whether its a polar bear dip or an epic workout challenge, the donations you inspire will still help to fund ground-breaking projects across men’s health initiatives.”

With the hope that the global pandemic will be over by next Movember, Peck and the Grieg Mo’ team are already looking forward to next year when they can fundraise again, possibly with the return of the BC Salmon Farmers’ Movember Company Challenge, which was cancelled due to Covid-19.

“I think it’s something that a lot of people look forward to for a few reasons. Not only does it raise money for a great cause, but it’s a great excuse to get creative with the clippers,” Peck said.

“We all have men in our lives that we love, and we all want health and happiness for them all. I encourage anyone with a dad, grandpa, uncle, husband, brother or friend that they love to participate for an awesome cause.”