Kauai police double down on ‘No-Shave November’

After participating in “No-Shave November” to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s Kauai branch, the Kauai Police Department is extending the drive during “Double-Down December.”

Nearly two dozen KPD personnel participated in November, raising almost $1,500.

For December, the dress code will be relaxed for the department, meaning employees can grow out their beards or goatees or wear their hair in a ponytail or in cornrows while at work.

“I’d like to thank the KPD officers and employees who participated in this fundraiser in an attempt to support the prevention, treatments and awareness of cancer, an ailment that touches everyone in some way,” said Kauai Police Chief Todd G. Raybuck. “We will continue to rally this month and raise even more money, in hopes that more people will be inclined to make a donation, especially during the holiday season.”

“No-Shave November” began as a tradition in 2007 for a Chicago family as a tribute to their father, Matthew Hill, who died from colon cancer. That tradition turned into a nonprofit to raise money to fight cancer.

In November, American Cancer Society’s GrowNation encouraged people to be part of a hair-raising movement to lead the fight against cancer. Since the inception of GrowNation in 2017, the initiative has brought in about $66,000 toward the mission, according to Patti Ornellas, senior community development manager of the American Cancer Society Kauai Field Office.