Mary Reimer, principal of Carman Collegiate and breast cancer survivor, is again making her famous chocolate moustaches to raise money for the Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) Cancer Care Ward. This effort is close to her heart, having started in 2021, and has now become a community-wide initiative.
A journey from supporting others to her own battle
Reimer’s fundraising journey began in 2021 before she received her cancer diagnosis. “It all started when a dear friend and colleague was diagnosed with colon cancer,” she said. “I wanted to support her in a meaningful way, so I decided to make these chocolate moustaches and sell them out of our high school canteen.”
The initial project was a success, raising $1,500 for CancerCare Manitoba. But Reimer herself was diagnosed with breast cancer just months later, in August 2022. "It was a whirlwind," Reimer shared. “I noticed a lump on the side of my breast near my armpit. It seemed like nothing at first, but within weeks I was in surgery for a mastectomy.”
Despite the suddenness of her diagnosis, Reimer felt supported by the healthcare system. "Everything went so fast. I couldn’t be more grateful for how responsive the system was," she said. The experience deepened her commitment to the cause, inspiring her to continue fundraising, now with a more personal connection.
Chocolate moustaches: A labor of love
In October 2022, Reimer introduced the idea of "MockTober," making it a month dedicated to raising funds through her handmade chocolate moustaches, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “That year, we raised $8,300, all donated to the BTHC Cancer Care Ward,” Reimer said. In 2023, the project grew even bigger, with community support helping her raise an astonishing $18,200.
Reimer has now set a goal to raise $15,000 this year. "I’m being conservative this time," she laughed. "But who knows? With the way the community has rallied, we might just surpass it!"
Community effort at its best
Reimer's efforts have galvanized the Carman community, with students and local businesses pitching in. “The kids at the school are incredible,” she said. “They’ve been offering to help make the moustaches, deliver them, even create posters. It’s become a real Carman Collegiate thing, and the kids love that their school is part of this.”
Local businesses like OMG Candy Company and the Price is Right Dollar Store have also come on board, donating chocolate and supplies to help with production. “OMG Candy gave us 500 pounds of chocolate last year, and it’s just been a testament to how much people want to be part of something that makes a difference,” Reimer added.
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The power of community and hope
Reimer’s experience has not only strengthened her resolve to give back but has also shown her the power of community support. “I always say, cancer can take many things from you—your health, your hair, even your hope, momentarily—but it can never take the goodness of the community,” she said. “That’s what keeps me going.”
As for this year’s campaign, Reimer hopes the community will rise to the occasion. "At $2 a moustache, it’s an easy way for people to get involved," she said, noting that anyone interested in purchasing or donating can contact her through Facebook or at Carman Collegiate.
Moving forward
Now, finished with her treatments and back to full-time work, Reimer remains a beacon of strength and determination. “Cancer is part of my story, but it’s not my whole story,” she said. With the chocolate moustache fundraiser continuing to grow, Reimer’s efforts serve as a powerful reminder of what one person—and a community—can accomplish together.
Mary Reimer's chocolate moustaches are available for order through her Facebook page or by contacting Carman Collegiate directly. All proceeds go to the Cancer Care Ward at BTHC.