Bo's Save the Beard for Mental Health

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.