Ralph “Boonie” Lethbridge of Clarenville, Newfoundland in Canada did something incredible for his friend that most men don’t think twice about doing every day: shaving his beard. Lethbridge hasn’t shaved since he was 16 years old, which was over 40 years ago. His beard grew long and gray, reaching to the middle of his chest.
He never thought about shaving it until he learned that his good friend, Larry Boyd, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Wanting to support his friend, Lethbridge decided to shave his beard in order to raise money for the ALS Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. The charity awards grants to scientists who are researching cures and treatments for ALS and supports those who have been diagnosed with the disease.
News of Lethbridge’s fundraiser quickly spread around the town. Hundreds of people came to the ice hockey rink on January 24 to watch Lethbridge shave his beard, donating money as they came. Lethbridge sat calmly in the middle of the rink as his beard was gently shaved away. The event raised more than $51,000 and more donations are coming in on-line as word as spread around the world of Lethbridge’s love and generosity.
Though Lethbridge hasn’t gotten used to how his face looks without a beard, he says that he would do it again in order to help his friend and others battle the disabling and life-threating disease. ALS is a neurological disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease worsens over time, eventually causing the person with the disease to lose control of their limbs. There is no current cure for ALS, so fundraising events like Lethbridge’s help scientists work toward a cure.