BROOKE Howard says her dad, Terry, reckons he will end up looking like Santa Claus at the end of the Beards of Hope Challenge.
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But this has not deterred him, and some other special men in her life, from committing to the cause.
This is because not shaving for a three-month period will help raise awareness and much-needed funds for a unique organisation – Bears of Hope.
Bears Of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support provides leading support and exceptional care for families who experience the loss of their baby.
They seek to provide crucial information and embrace families during this difficult time; and beyond.
It is an organisation the mother-of-one, Brooke, is determined to assist after speaking to founder, Toni Tattis.
She contacted Mrs Tattis not long after her second miscarriage.
Brooke says it has been a welcome distraction and has helped her deal with her loss, along with the support of her partner, Shawn Williams.
“Shawn and his two brothers, along with my dad and two brothers, are all growing beards and will hopefully keep them until the teddy bear’s picnic I am organising,” she says.
“All the money raised at the picnic will be given to the charity so they can continue their work.”
Work Brooke explains involves providing all bereaved parents with a bag of information when they leave hospital.
The bag contains a fluffy teddy bear – a bear of hope.
It is donated by another bereaved family and allows the donating family to give their child’s brief life a purpose and lasting legacy, while filling the empty arms of another family as they walk out of the hospital without their baby.
It reinforces the understanding that they are not alone, and that there is an existing community of support.
Having an adorable one-year-old boy has also kept her busy and the couple is very grateful to have Riley in their life.
And, it’s easy to see his doting uncles and granddad feel the same way when they gathered for a photo to promote Beards of Hope.
None of them took their eyes off the spritely toddler as he explored the unfamiliar surroundings.
Although they all plan on placing donation tins in their respective workplaces, others can support the Howard/Williams family by jumping online and heading to www.beardsofhope.com.au
From there, click on leader board and find Team Angel Williamsx2.
