This November, students around campus dropped the razors for an initiative to raise money for education in Nepal.
CU’s GlobeMed chapter, a student-run non-profit organization aiming to improve healthcare in Nepal, has been running a No-Shave November contest to raise funds for their partner, Himalayan HealthCare. At the end of the month, pictures of contestants’ creative facial hair will be posted to the event’s Facebook page for a chance to win prizes.
GlobeMed’s sign for No Shave November tries to test male student’s manliness and persuade them to enter the contest. (Rachel Ramberg/CU Independent)
Ellie Falletta, a 20-year-old junior MCD biology and geography major who is the campaign coordinator of GlobeMed, said the contest is more than just a month-long routine. This year, all proceeds from the entry fees will go to Himalayan HealthCare to fund education projects, provide scholarships for students and train teachers at schools in Nepal.
“Himalayan HealthCare works in three rural villages in Nepal to improve primary healthcare, education and income generation for the people in those communities,” Falletta said. “All of their projects have a strong focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency.”
Ally Adams, a 20-year-old sophomore Spanish and MCD biology major who is the director of community building in GlobeMed, said that the organization will continue to be present on campus for the rest of the month to sign up participants.
“We will be tabling…after break from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until the end of November in the UMC,” Adams said. “The cost is only $2 to get in on the action.”
During the last week of November, contestants can get their pictures taken in the UMC, and students can then vote for their favorite throughout the first week of December. The three most liked pictures on Facebook will win the competition. Prizes include a gift basket from Al’s, gift cards from Off Campus Cut and two-day passes and rental equipment from the Boulder Rock Club.
Adams said that No-Shave November will help spread the word about GlobeMed.
“Hopefully a fun event like this will get people interested in our organization and our role in the movement for global health equity while creating some friendly competition on campus,” Adams said.
However, GlobeMed is not restricted to No-Shave November.
“In addition to the fundraising events that we put on, we also have educational talks throughout the year as part of the GlobalHealthU campaign to educate people on different issues relating to health equity,” Falletta said. “It is a great way to connect with the community and continue to learn.”
Students can also contribute without taking part in the contest.
“If you’re not feeling too confident in your ability to grow facial hair, you can always make a donation,” Adams said.
Those who would like to learn more about No-Shave November and GlobeMed can visit GlobeMed’s website.
Carter Simmons is a 22-year-old sophomore geology major participating in No-Shave November.
“A friend from one of my classes suggested that I sign up for No-Shave November,” Simmons said. “When I found out that the money went to a good cause, it was even more of an incentive.”
He plans to continue growing out his beard even after the month is over.
“Once November is over, I will not shave,” Simmons said. “I probably will just grow my beard until I can braid it and then try out for Braveheart 2.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Roxanne Smith at Roxanne.smith@colorado.edu.
