By Bejay Browne.
A Paphos based initiative that will raise money for two local causes ahead of Christmas is encouraging men to grow facial hair and shave it off for charity.
The initiative, ‘Trash The Tash For Cash’, will help cancer patients and local individuals and families in need.
The volunteers aim to raise 7,000 euros for the Cancer Patients Support Group Paphos, CPSG, and the ‘Pay it forward Christmas appeal,’ which will ensure those in need will enjoy a festive meal this Christmas and children will receive presents to open.
“The campaign is similar to Movember, where men grow a moustache or beard and have it shaved off for charity, but as we give funds raised to local charities, we have our own version. This year we are trying to get more pubs, taverns and businesses involved,” organiser, Laurence Doughty told the Paphos Post.
The fund-raising event gets underway on Sunday November 1, concluding on Friday November 27, with a ‘great shave off’ event, held at Chalkies Bar in Coral Bay, Paphos. However, those taking part can start growing hair from now, he said.
Women are also being encouraged to take part and support the event by organising their own fund raising. Last year, a successful Christmas cake raffle was held, he said.
Last year’s event raised over 4000 euros which was donated to CPSG through the Paphos Zingers, an amateur singing group that raise funds for the charity. Doughty said that the CPSG, which provides support for cancer patients and their families, has been hard hit and income, which comes mostly from fund raising and the charity shops, slashed to next to nothing.
“This year I’m trying to get more people and businesses involved, as this is a perfect way to raise money for charity, as so many events are cancelled due to social distancing and other restriction. Businesses for example, could nominate one member of staff to grow facial hair, and all of the staff can get as many people as possible to sponsor.”
The second beneficiary is the, pay it forward Christmas appeal, which is run by Tony Theophanides (known as Tony Theo) and Chalkies Bar. More than 13,000 free hot meals were cooked and delivered to those in need in Paphos during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in Cyprus, by Theo and other volunteers.
As people are still in need of help, he established a “pay it forward ” scheme, which encourages Paphos bars, cafes and restaurants to participate and offer meals at cost price in exchange for an official scheme voucher.
The businessman started the venture with his own business “Chalkie’s Bar”, and although some other have joined the venture, more are needed.
Families and individuals are given a voucher which is worth 3.50 euros, and can be exchanged for a meal at participating venues.
“The key to making this work is to have more venues involved. No one is obligated to be kind, but it is good to be kind and when you see people crying because you’ve given them a meal and their children haven’t eaten for days, it really means something,” he said.
Doughty described the volunteer work during lockdown as ‘amazing’, with many of the meals being delivered and with no government help whatsoever. Donations were from members of the public and businesses, he said.
Around 1000 meals would be available for those in need over the Christmas period including Christmas day, if the fund raising target could be achieved.
“How amazing is that and we will be appealing for volunteer staff to help serve meals and delivery drivers to get meals to those who can not get out,” he said.
The already dire situation it could get worse, he warned, as hotels that are open will soon be closing again, leaving many jobless.
Theo said : “We will be open on Christmas day and making sure that people get a nice Christmas lunch and presents for the children too.”
The philanthropist is hoping to feed people in a few different venues, if owners volunteer their premises, in addition to delivering food to those that need it.
“So many people suffered due to loss of work during lockdown, or now in various industries and they literally have no money. The government support scheme is not getting to most of these people and they really need help.”
An appeal is underway for food stuff, small gifts other items to ensure that Christmas will be special for everyone.
“Its amazing how the local community has stepped in to help, they really have done Paphos proud,” said Theo.
The venture is also supported by Rock FM Paphos, who are creating a team to grown their facial hair and gather sponsorship.
For further information or to get involved : Laurence Doughty 99974679 or Trash the Tash for Cash on Facebook.
