The lives of people with mental health conditions are often plagued by stigma as well as discrimination. Stigma is a negative stereotype. Stigma is a reality for many people with a mental illness, and they report that how others judge them is one of their greatest barriers to a complete and satisfying life. For some men our beards act as a comfort barrier and almost a safety net we can hide behind. Shaving off our beloved face shields is a definite step out of our comfort zones and is, on a smaller scope, representative of those who step into the uncomfortable and sometimes scary position of talking about their mental health condition.  Those who are suffering often fear the judgment of others and let that fear prevent them from letting others in on the battle they are fighting within themselves. The fact that this fear is preventing people, from all walks of life, from getting the help they need is costing people their lives. Young, old, male, female. Mental Illness doesn’t discriminate.  These seven gentlemen are putting their beards and comfort on the line in order to raise awareness towards eliminating that stigma and to benefit the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation and the amazing work they do on behalf of those fighting for their lives in the face of mental illness. Every little bit you can donate helps, so let’s come together towards ending the stigma of mental illness and allowing those suffering to get the help they desperately need without the fear of judgment or that they are in this fight alone.    The Smiles Thru Lindsey Endowment Fund was created in 2015 after Lindsey Kathleen More tragically took her life at the age of 22. Prior to her sudden passing and after a string of suicides at community high schools, Lindsey wanted to help those who were suffering in silence, as she did. Honouring her wishes, and to help keep Lindsey’s legacy of love and laughter alive, the Smiles Thru Lindsey Foundation was formed. Developed by her parents Rick and Cindy More through RDDCF, the foundation supports those suffering from mental illness through high-impact programs. Since then, Smiles Thru Lindsey has raised over $100,000 thanks to generous citizens, businesses, and anonymous donors. In life, Lindsey touched the hearts of countless people, and thanks to this endowment fund, she will continue to help others long after her death. Lindsey is forever in our hearts, and the foundation will honour that memory in perpetuity.

Merry Kuchle

Anonymous

Andrew Whittaker

Stout Gloves  Stout Gloves

Joe Rowan

Kyle Derry

Derek Bray

Bobbi  Cullum

Neil Swensrude

Nicole Plewis 

Justin Mathieu

Stephanie Clark

Karmen Early

Roy Rhyno

Jacqui Woodward

Scott & Nicki Address

Bo's Save the Beard for Mental Health

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