Burly Newfoundland man posing in mermaid flippers has turned into a globally known effort to combat gender stereotypes. The 2019 Merb'ys calendar - created by the Newfoundland and Labrador Beard and Moustache Club - draws its name from 'mermaid' and the Newfoundland moniker for 'buddy.' The calendar features photos of husky, bearded Newfoundland men posed on the province's rugged shoreline. What started as a dare has now raised more than a half million dollars for charity. The 2018 version of the calendar raised more than $300,000 for a local mental health organization. While the proceeds from the calendar sales - totalling over $200,000 - went to Violence Prevention NL. Hasan Hai, the leader of the club , said they received a number of responses from charities when they put the call out to create a 2019 calendar. Hai isn't sure there will be a 2020 version of the calendar - but that doesn't mean they are hanging up their fins for good. (The Canadian Press)
