Police Officers across Connecticut are putting down their razors this November to work with the Connecticut Cancer Foundation and raise money for families who are struggling financially due to a cancer diagnosis.
Instead of shaving, the officers are fundraising in their department and in their community. One hundred percent of the money raised during No Shave November CT will go to Connecticut cancer patients and their families to help with everyday living expenses, such as rent, mortgage and utilities.
Now in its second year, No Shave November Connecticut has brought together 60 police forces in this fundraising effort.
In 2018 Connecticut police departments raised over $100,000 to help families across the state. The sky is the limit for this year’s goal, so when you see a police officer around town, please give thanks for his or her participation and ask how you can get involved.
Terri Eickel, Director of Development for the Connecticut Cancer Foundation said that the response from the police departments is inspiring.
“The police officers are so excited to participate, especially since the money they raise stays in Connecticut, helping our residents who are fighting cancer,” she said.
One of this year’s Ambassadors is Sergeant Ian Brown, a 23-year-veteran of Willimantic Police Dept who participated in last year’s campaign. He has since been diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma that required a bone marrow transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. His wife has had to stop working because MSK requires that every transplant patient must have a full-time caregiver. Sergeant Brown’s family will benefit greatly from this year’s No Shave November campaign.
Sergeant Brown said that he and his wife were deeply touched by the support.
“It is truly humbling to see all the support from my brothers and sisters in blue, making their contribution to such a worthy cause,” he said. “Having participated for several years myself through my police department and then having to receive aid during a difficult time, it truly warms my heart. It is awe inspiring how the law enforcement community comes together to help those in need. Stay safe my brothers and sisters in blue!”
The rest of the money raised will be distributed to Connecticut cancer patients throughout the year. Eickel said, “We are so grateful to all of the police departments and other organizations that are participating – they will truly make a difference in the lives of Connecticut cancer patients this holiday season.”
To learn more or make a donation, please visit noshavenovemberct.org and search for the Greenwich Police Dept or sponsor a participating officer.
Click here for the Greenwich Police Dept fundraiser page.