Tauranga man to shave moustache he has had for 45 years as fundraiser for Tauranga Moana Men's Nightshelter

Francis Sydenham is preparing to say goodbye to the handlebar moustache he has sported for 45 years - for a good cause.

The Tauranga resident and former car dealership owner has pledged to shave off his 'stache as a fundraiser to help the Tauranga Moana Men's Nightshelter.

Sydenham said he grew the moustache shortly after he arrived in Tauranga 45 years ago, but had been thinking lately "it might be time for a change".

Feeling that the city had been good to him and wanting to give back, he has encouraged his friends to donate to the night shelter to celebrate the end of the mo.

He was planning to give it the chop in early January or late February, after he had secured a barber.

The shelter has started raising money to build 10 studio units to support men through the transition back into a home, and free up space in the 20-bed existing shelter.

Shelter manager Annamarie Angus said she had never met Sydenham but thought his idea was "wonderful", and a great help to get the word out about the studio unit fundraiser.

DONATE: givealittle.co.nz/cause/homeless-and-vulnerable-people

Francis Sydenham is prepared to give his mo the chop - for a good cause. Photo/George Novak