Facial hair has often been partnered with good causes – think Movember and Shave for a Cure – but this one has to be unique.
This winter, men across Australia are being called to grow a beard and raise funds to help plant one million trees for conservation.
BeardsOn, which first sprung into being in 2014, is a not for profit environmental organisation holds an annual challenge running for the full 90 days of winter with the aim of getting as many men as possible to grow a beard to help do something great for the environment.
This year, northern rivers forest conservation organisation The Rainforest Information Centre is supporting BeardsOn to reach their new target of planting one million trees.
Ruth Rosenhek, Director of the Rainforest Information Centre said, ‘If you can grow a beard, you can participate in this effort to plant trees and help address climate change, provide habitat for animals and sow the seed for better green spaces for all to enjoy.’
BeardsOn co-founder Jimmy Stanton-Cooke said, ‘We’re calling on all men to grow beards of any shape or length, get friends, family and loved ones to sponsor them and with the donations we’ll plant trees. It’s that simple. It’s something so organic and effortless, and by doing so you give back to your planet and everything on it. So grow yourself a winter blanket this season that gives back’.
Every $2 donated will see a native tree planted in an Australian community. Any public green space-schools, community regeneration groups, councils and organisations looking to engage in tree planting projects can apply for grants.
In 2015 the BeardsOn organisation planted over 10,000 trees at Bundanon Trust property supporting Landcare Australia.
The BeardsOn Challenge runs from June 1st to August 31st and growers can sign up from this week onwards at www.beardson.org
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