Local pharmacist Paul Hellier from Norwood Guardian-Centennial Pharmacy is participating in Movember for the first time this year to raise money for prostate cancer research.
Hellier has been a pharmacist in Norwood since 2019. After working in the community for two years and growing to love the area he and his family moved there in 2021.
“I feel I’m part of the community now, I’ve just joined the Lions, I’m trying to be active in the community,” said Hellier. “I see a lot of people suffering with men’s cancers- of which prostate is only one.”
Hellier says that while awareness around prostate cancer and the symptoms that come with it are growing, lots of people still miss important early signs.
“I give support on a daily basis to patients with prostate cancer, and answer questions all the time for people that are concerned about it,” he said. “I definitely think that because I’m a pharmacist - but more so because I’m part of the community - I feel it’s my job to help wherever I can.”
When Hellier announced the fundraiser on the pharmacy’s Facebook page on Nov. 3 his goal was to raise $500. Having already passed that goal he now hopes to raise $1000.
“I was afraid there would be very little response,” he said. “The community talks to each other really well here in Norwood, I love it here, it’s a wonderful place.”
Currently donors are asked to bring their donation to the pharmacy, located at 2375 County Rd 45, Norwood.
Donations above $20 are eligible for a tax receipt by request.