Shave raises over $26,000 for aid to Sudan

It may well be the most expensive shave in history.

Ben Plett removes the beard that raised $26,585 for Sudan relief.

Moved by the plight of displaced people in Darfur, Sudan, Ken Reddig, former director of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Manitoba, offered to sacrifice the beard he had grown for 34 years if supporters would respond with $25,000.

Quickly warming to the idea of seeing what was under that beard, Manitobans responded by donating $26,585.

Reddig’s beard dates back to June 7, 1970. Taken hostage and coming under fire in Jordan during the civil war between Yassar Arafat and King Hussein, Reddig was evacuated to Greece. Vowing to keep his beard until he could return to Jordan, Reddig sported a beard that became well-known in many circles of work and acquaintance.

“When I started growing my beard, I was working with refugees in Palestine,” said Reddig, explaining the decision to offer his beard. “I understand the plight of people not having a home and living in a situation where water and food are very precarious,” he said.

Humbled and grateful, Reddig showed up to face the razor in Rosenort, Man. on October 20. Ben and Diane Plett of Rosenort, whose donation put the campaign over the target, had the honour of removing the beard.

The displaced people of Darfur are living in some of the most inhospitable environments on earth. Many camps are in remote areas with limited access to water. Malnutrition and poor sanitation are contributing to the spread of disease. Having escaped with their lives and little more, the people are in a desperate situation.

The money raised will help provide semi-permanent shelters and survival supplies (including blankets, food aid and school kits) for the estimated 1.5 million displaced people of Darfur.

—MCC Canada