The Merby’s need no introduction: their unique, for-charity calendar was an international hit last year, and raised a whopping $300,000 for the local mental health organization, Spirit Horse NL.

This year, they’re partnering with Ray Agency and Roth and Ramberg, who they feel have the expertise to take the calendar to the next level. Ray will be helping with a campaign which will launch in conjunction with the calendar pre-sales.

Word has reached land that The MerB’ys have come ashore to produce a 2019 calendar.

The calendar is a production of the Newfoundland and Labrador Beard and Moustache Club (NLBMC). Hasan Hai, founder of the NLBMC, explains that the calendar “embraces and values diversity in our community such as gender identity, ethnicity, body shape, and sexual orientation. Also, we delight in breaking down traditional gender stereotypes in creative ways.”

Merb’y Hasan Hai waves for the camera (Credit: Andrea Edwards)

Hai says 2019’s version will be 2.0, “Higher production value, more representation of people, and areas. More Mer, and more B’y.”

The photoshoots are happening Monday through Sunday, and taking place from St. John’s to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and many places in between.

You can follow the official “Mermob’ile” and social media posts using the hashtag #MerBys2019 to keep track of their progress or document your own sightings.

This Year’s Charity …

This year’s selection process considered nearly 40 local charitable organizations, before settling on Violence Prevention Newfoundland and Labrador (VPNL), a coalition of Violence Prevention organizations across the province.

VPNL Organizations work diligently throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to change attitudes, behaviours, and social norms associated with violence. Through advocacy, awareness, and leadership at the community level, VPNL help facilitate a crucial dialogue between key organizations and the Provincial Government to inform policies, programs, and front-line services.

“Their proposed project is titled ‘Deconstructing Masculinity – Engaging Men in Violence Prevention,’” Hai says. “This project will challenge negative attitudes of masculinity and consequently empower men to become meaningfully engaged in violence prevention.”

Calendars will be available for pre-order in August, with international shipping available. Visit nlbmc.com to sign up for their email newsletter to get the latest updates on pre-orders and other calendar news.