Fire and Emergency makes the MOst!
To the relief of upper lips across the country, Movember has finally come to a close. Stubble has been smoothed, walking shoes given a break and, most importantly, Fire and Emergency has smashed its Movember fundraising goal of $40,000. All this in the name of supporting awareness and action on key men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.
With a MOmentous $52,000 Fire and Emergency also took out the First Responder challenge by some margin, raising over $20,000 more than our closest rival, New Zealand Defence Force, who took out the trophy last year. Together with our First Responder partners a whopping $107,000 was raised for Movember, almost doubling the $60,000 effort from 2020.
We’ve been informed the trophy is currently being engraved and will be presented to us at a ceremony next year.
Of course, getting us to this point was a huge team effort with people right across the organisation taking on a variety of different challenges, or reaching into their pockets to support their colleagues. A couple of individuals, in particular, deserve a MOment in the spotlight. Our two top fundraisers, Jordan Martin, and Steve Devine.
Both have a few words to share:
Jordan Martin
Volunteer Firefighter at the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade, Jordan Martin, wanted to get involved with Movember this year as mental health has a played a big part in his life and in the lives of those around him.
“For me it’s about helping people and showing them it’s okay to not be okay and it doesn’t make you weak to cry or speak up!”
Jordan took on walking up the Wainuiomata Hill every day for the month in full gear, a task he says was no easy feat, but was made easier by friends and whānau.
“The days that I had people with me were the days I cherished a lot! Having people around me kept me grounded with my thoughts and the task at hand. The days I was riding solo were the most draining but I was able to push through after stopping for a few minutes and having a bit of self- reflection, remembering that I was doing it for those that can’t be here today and those still struggling with their battle with mental health.”
Jordan has a message to his colleagues and anyone out there who may be struggling.
“It’s okay to not be okay, this pain you are experiencing is only temporary and not a forever feeling. Things do get better as time goes on. I encourage you to talk. Find someone you trust or even contact a helpline or flick me a message I’m always here to listen.”
Originally Jordan’s goal was to raise $500 but raising over $12,000 has left him “gobsmacked”.
“I could not have got there without the support of everyone. Winning the first responders challenge is also pretty awesome! I’m so proud of everyone that got involved. Together we raised over $50,000 for a cause that is very dear to my heart and to a lot of people around me. I take my hat off to you all!”
Steve Devine
Steve Devine, Senior Firefighter at Avondale Station, was Fire and Emergency’s second highest individual fundraiser, gathering a huge $9,000 by growing a mo and accepting challenges from family and friends in exchange for donations.
“Some of the challenges really pushed the boundaries but it has been fun,” Steve says.
Perhaps most high profile challenge was Steve’s recreation of his 2003 Vortex commercial with fellow ex-All Black, Dan Carter. You can check it out here(external link).
Steve has previously worked with Movember and assisted with making connections in the development of Fire and Emergency’s Whanaungatanga Programme, a pilot programme funded by Movember which is focused on improving the mental wellbeing of our firefighters.
Steve is motivated by supporting his workmates and other first responders.
“I would do anything to help a colleague, in any situation. Not just from Fire and Emergency but any first responder at any job. As first responders we need to do more to help raise awareness of the issues that so many of us face as part our line of work. Having suffered some mental issues from a nasty call and seen mates around me suffer, I want to help.”
Steve acknowledges firefighting tests your mental wellness and encourages others to speak up and get help.
“I think it’s not a matter of if, but when traumatic events will take a toll on your mental wellbeing. Asking or seeking help isn’t something to be shameful of. I think we owe it to ourselves and the people around us to talk about our mental health before it becomes a problem.”
“It’s amazing that we have been able to come together and raise some money for Movember who really are supporting us with our mental health battles. If anybody is struggling or knows somebody who is, then check out the Movember website. It is an awesome tool for help and guidance.”
Deputy Chief Executive People, Brendan Nally says while everyone should be proud of our stellar fundraising effort, we need to make sure the conversation about men’s health issues doesn’t stop once the month is over.
“It’s really important that we continue to look after ourselves and check-up on the men in our lives – during Movember and beyond. Do it for yourself, do it for your mates, do it for your whānau.”
“Remember, Fire and Emergency is committed to providing you with the support you need to remain in good health and has a variety of options available to help you and your loved ones through challenges you may be facing.”
Congratulations to everyone who took on a challenge this Movember or supported a colleague by donating to the cause. Through your commitment and generosity you’re raising awareness, saving lives and helping the Movember Foundation transform the way health services reach and support men.
Useful information
- Wellbeing support provided by Fire and Emergency to you and your whānau
- The Whanaungatanga Programme
- Movember Conversations resources(external link)
- The M.A.N.E.R.S model Learning Station module(external link). This includes information on the M.A.N.E.R.S model of psychological first aid and videos on how it has been implemented by our people to support their wellbeing in various situations.
- Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand(external link)