Podge’s Pirates are always prepared to go the extra mile, not just talking about men’s health, but putting their money where their mouths are (or moustaches in this case).

Male cancers have always been an issue for the group but recently, as hard lockdown started taking its toll, they’ve become a lot more aware of mental-health issues.

Movember is an international movement during the month of November which promotes awareness of and raises money for the prevention and treatment of mental health issues, suicidal tendencies, and prostate and testicular cancers. This always seemed like the perfect project for the men of Podge’s Pirates to become involved in.

Starting in 2019, Ken and Carol Meyer have held Shavathons at the Anchor Pub and Restaurant to fundraise for this cause, providing the patrons and passers-by with hairsprays, shaves and haircuts.

Last year they raised about R2 000 and this year they beat it by R200. Ken and Carol said they have been involved in the Movember project for eight years now and have raised thousands of rands over this time. Collectively, Podge’s Pirates have raised just over R121 000 for the Movember project this year, already beating their record of 2019 by R50 000.

“To belay pirates from meeting Davey Jones afore their time … Arrr!” reads Podge’s Pirates’ motivation on their Movember page.

“To save our brothers, our shipmates and all who face this scourge of prostate and testicular cancer and mental illness leading to suicide.”

Ken explained that their group is made up mostly of ex-navy members and that he himself used to be in the air force.

Working with the MOTHs motorcycle club and Anchor Pub, Ken and Carol fundraise for multiple charities. Pub patrons can pay to have their names printed on a large puzzle piece which is added to the main puzzle on the bar’s wall, while Podge’s Pirates also sell scarves and other paraphernalia for the Sunflower Fund which fights various blood-related diseases.