By Jide Ogunleye, Rotary Club of Omole-Golden —
I never imagined that my beard – something I had nurtured for years – would become a powerful tool for change. But on 22 February, I stood in front of a crowd, ready to part ways with my iconic beard, all in the name of service. The Beard for Humanity fundraiser was not just about shaving; it was about making a lasting impact by raising funds for Rotary’s Polio Eradication Initiative.
What inspired the event
Rotary has always been a part of my life, but I wanted to do something unconventional to draw attention to a critical cause. Polio eradication has been a global focus for Rotary, and I saw an opportunity to turn something personal into a movement for good. The idea? People could contribute towards the event, and as we hit different fundraising milestones, the shave would begin.
Creating a buzz
We leveraged social media, radio, and TV to build awareness. We had engaging conversations, posted teasers, and encouraged people to pledge donations leading up to the event. The excitement grew, and by the time the day arrived, anticipation was at an all-time high.
The Big Day
The energy in the room was electric. Hosted by popular comedian MC Odogwu, we saw over 200 attendees, including dignitaries like Governor Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi of District 9111 and the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs in Ogun State, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye, a Rotarian. We also had generous sponsorships from local businesses including Ritemate Technologies, K-Dove Place, MTN Nigeria, Privet Limited, Abelinis Limited, and Rodulaf Real Estate.
As the clippers buzzed, cheers erupted. Each stroke of the razor represented a step closer to a polio-free world. The most rewarding part? Seeing the community rally behind a cause that truly matters.
The impact
By the end of the event, we had raised a total of $3,873.25, with a net contribution of $2,154 going directly to Rotary’s Polio Fund. The success of Beard for Humanity isn’t just measured by the amount raised, though, as the event served to spark conversations, inspire others to give, and highlight how creativity can be used in service.
Making headlines
The event garnered extensive post-event media coverage, appearing in major print and online publications like Vanguard and Punch Newspapers. I was also featured on NTA2, discussing the initiative and Rotary’s role in global health efforts.
Call to action
Service takes many forms, and sometimes, it’s as simple as a shave. I encourage you to think outside the box – how can you turn your passions into purposeful action? Join us in the fight against polio, support Rotary initiatives, and let’s continue making a difference together.
What unique way would you use to raise funds for a cause? Share your thoughts in the comments or spread the word by sharing this post!
Jide Ogunleye is the president of the Rotary Club of Omole-Golden in Lagos, Nigeria.
https://blog.rotary.org/2025/04/01/beard-for-humanity-a-shave-for-a-cause/