Wallingford Police Lead Charge To Help CT Cancer Patients

WALLINGFORD, CT — The Wallingford Police Department raised more than $6,000 during the recent No Shave November campaign to benefit Connecticut cancer patients and their families. More than $91,000 was raised in the first state-wide No Shave November campaign, the Connecticut Cancer Foundation announced. Forty police departments participated in the campaign. They were joined by one fire department, one school, and one company, for a total of 43 teams. Wallingford finished as the third highest fund-raising team in Connecticut.

The money raised during No Shave November will provide financial assistance to Connecticut cancer patients and their families to help with everyday living expenses, such as rent, mortgage, and utilities. Wallingford Police, led by Sgt. Jim Cifarelli, raised $6,025 for the cause.

During the month of November, police departments across Connecticut relaxed their facial hair requirements and allowed their officers to grow beards. Instead of shaving, the officers fundraised in their department and in the community – 100 percent of the funds will go to Connecticut cancer patients to help with basic living expenses.

Terri Eickel, the Director of Development for the CT Cancer Foundation said that the response from the police officers and their communities was inspiring.

“The police officers were so excited to participate, especially since the money they raised will stay in Connecticut, helping our residents who are fighting cancer,” she said. “Because of No Shave November, CT cancer patients throughout our state will be able to focus on their health and recovery, not worry about their bills.”

No Shave November will especially benefit the family of Wesley Woronecki, a brave 15-year-old boy battling metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma. He was the Ambassador for this year’s No Shave November, which means that his family is eligible to receive a significant grant as a result of the fundraiser. The rest of the money raised will be distributed to Connecticut cancer patients throughout the year.

“We are so grateful to all of the police departments and other organizations that participated – they truly made a difference in the lives of CT cancer patients this holiday season,” Eickel said.

Wallingford Police also had a big Shave-Off event at Dino’s Barbershop on Dec 3 that Wesley, the No Shave November Ambassador, came to.

Pictured: Before and after photos of the Wallingford Police Department’s Shave-Off event at Dino’s Barbershop / Contributed photos