A Beards For Bucks Fundraiser on the weekend that raised about $8,000 for the Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation's COVID-19 Critical Response Fund is being criticized by some.
Nine local politicians had grown beards for the past four months during the pandemic with the aim of eventually shaving those beards for a cause.
Up until the day before the shave-off, details of where the event would take place had not been announced, and how the shaving would be done was still being determined.
On the event day itself, a stylist buzzed off participants' beards.
There have since been a number of comments on social media, including some from those in the salon industry who have pointed out that Stage Two of the Province's reopening strategy does not include beard shaving by a stylist.
City Councillor Richard Thomas has said in a statement on the Owen Sound Regional Hospital's Facebook page, “When the stylist offered to do the shaving, I made the call. At the time, it seemed to be a better choice to minimize the length of time each individual would spend unmasked in an indoor environment.”
Public Health Grey Bruce is responding to criticism of how the event was held, saying it was “Not made aware of the beard shaving fundraiser event.” It also says it sees, “Two separate matters related to the event.”
A media release from the Health Unit says “The first matter is a successful fundraising initiative lead by local political leaders in support of the hospital foundation in its response to the COVID-19 emergency.”
The Health Unit says it encourages all efforts that can support the same cause.
It also says the second matter is a professional operator of a licensed Personal Service Setting who, Public Health says going by media articles, “Did not follow the provincial regulations.”
The Heath Unit says it has communicated to all Personal Service Settings and their operators the COVID-19 guidance document that highlights restrictions including services involving the face.
It adds, “Although we have not received a formal complaint about the operator in this incident, our team has already initiated the appropriate follow up according to our protocols.”
Meanwhile, so far, some participants have issued statements and apologies. Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy says in a statement, “In retrospect, those involved in the event should have taken more precaution and done a better job in demonstrating our leadership, and for this I am truly sorry.”
Statement from Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy below:
“Nine elected officials from all levels of government, including myself, supported our front line health care workers by raising over $8,000 for COVID19 related supplies. The Hospital Foundation is going to use these funds to purchase PPE for our emergency workers, and other supplies to support patients during these unprecedented times.
I take full responsibility for my participation in this event. I was honored to recognize the outstanding men and women of our health care community who have reduced the COVID19 caseload to one active case in our region. In retrospect, those involved in the event should have taken more precaution and done a better job in demonstrating our leadership, and for this I am truly sorry.”
Statement from MPP Bill Walker:
“For the past 4 months, Ontarians have been making sacrifices and working hard to fight COVID-19. I am thankful for their continued efforts and the hard work that our frontline workers have been doing to limit the spread of this virus in Bruce and Grey counties and across the province.
This weekend I participated in the Beards for Bucks fundraiser. Despite being aware of measures in place to protect Ontarians, I received a professional shave as part of the event. I apologize for any misunderstanding my participation has caused. I recognize the need to remain vigilant in adhering to all public health measures and will ensure that all future public events I attend are in full compliance with the measures in place.”
Bill Walker, MPP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
Statement from MP Alex Ruff:
“”This past weekend I participated in the Owen Sound Hospital Foundation “Beards for Bucks” fundraiser (https://www.oshfoundation.ca/beards/) and I'm thankful to all the donors who contributed. That being said, it was unfortunate during the actual shaving of the beards on July 11th that we, the participants, were not completely compliant with current provincial health protocols. Constituents expect better from their elected officials. I personally should have known better and I will do better going forward.”
Statement from Grey Highlands Deputy Mayor Aakash Desai:
On Saturday July 11, 2020 I participated in a fundraising event called “Beards for
Bucks” which was aimed at raising funds for the Owen Sound Regional Hospital
Foundation. In particular the funds raised would go to the COVID-19 Critical Response Fund.
As part of the event, my beard was shaved off by a stylist. When I had agreed to participate in the event, I was told that I would be shaving my own beard. I didn't realize the plans had changed until it was too late. Nevertheless, I should have spoken up when I realized. I unreservedly apologize for my inaction & I vow to do better in the future.
As someone from a small business background myself, I understand the frustrations that many of them have shared. I should have considered how the optics of the event and my participation in it the would be perceived and I regret not having done so.
I also want to thank those who have reached out to me with criticisms as well as those who have sent messages of support. I am taking this as a learning opportunity and ensuring that I will do better in the future.