Edmonton man and his dog get fashionably fuzzy for Movember
Mike Harding's Movember involves a year of planning, some strong stubble, hours spent in front of the sewing machine, and a very co-operative canine.
Harding hopes to raise $10,000 for the men's health campaign this year, and he's got a unique way to encourage people to open their pocketbooks.
The Edmonton nurse and his dog, Xander, have been posing in new costumes every day, and posting the images to social media.
It's the fourth year in a row Harding has taken on the costume extravaganza. Some of the most popular vignettes so far included themes like Breaking Bad, Anchorman, and Sonny and Cher.
"Initially it was just me, and there was no big response. And then I brought dog in ... and I just took it further and have got a great response ever since."
Harding says Xander, a Maltese-poodle cross, loves all the attention that comes along with getting in front of the camera.
"For the most part, he's exceptionally co-operative and patient," said Harding. "He's the star."
Most of the costumes are handmade, other accessories like feather boas, hats and wigs, are picked up at second-hand stores or borrowed from friends. It's a huge undertaking.
"It takes many hours each night, for sure."
Harding, who works full time at the Cross Cancer Institute said the cause is close to his heart.
"Seeing a lot of the patients there and seeing the journeys they go through, and certainly friends and family of my own who have been diagnosed with cancer, I'm inspired by them. And this is absolutely something I'm very passionate about."
You can find more information on Harding's Movember campaign here.
