Bearded hunks unite for novelty calendar in aid of The ARCHIE Foundation

Hunks of Dundee have proven to be best sellers this winter with a novelty calendar – all in aid of a local charity.

Up-and-coming online retailer McKenzie Beard Company has published a calendar-girl style chart for 2019 with a little help from friends and local businesses with all proceeds going to The ARCHIE Foundation.

Kenny McKenzie, who started the firm with brother Calum, 34, in 2016, said the idea came about after a number of amateur models became surplus to requirements following a social media appeal.

Kenny, 37, has always been driven to help The ARCHIE Foundation after experiencing the children’s wards first-hand when his young daughter required surgery.

Since then, the McKenzie family have taken part in a number of fundraisers, including Beards for Bairns.

Kenny explained: “We have first-hand experience using these facilities so we know how improvements could benefit the children and parents alike.

“We were previously approached by to take part in Beards for Bairns at a craft fayre.

“We did quite well raising money for that but we only made a ripple really.”

Kenny added the opportunity to create the calendar came about by chance after a surge in volunteer models came forward following an appeal.

He said: “Our website needed updated and some models, so we put an appeal out on social media for guys looking to take part.

“After a while, there were about 20 to 30 guys putting their faces up on our page wanting to take part so we just thought ‘why don’t we make a calendar out of this?’

“We know a few beardy guys but this was all random people wanting to get involved.

“We got in touch with all the guys and held meetings and explained that there would be no payment and they still seemed up for it.

“Local firms have sponsored each of the 12 months to pay for the calendar so all money made from the sales goes to the ARCHIE Foundation, as we had unfinished business.

“Local photographer Lyndsey Philip took the photographs and around notable Dundee landmarks, like The McManus and the Waterfront.”

Calendars can be bought for £7 from the McKenzie Beard Company website – or via their Facebook page.

Kenny said the calendars have proven to be a roaring success so far – particularly amongst women.

The calendar was made possible by Lyndsey Philip photography. Kenny said without her determination, photography ability and organisational skills the project would not have happened.

Kenny and Calum formed the McKenzie Beard Company after growing tired of paying high prices for quality grooming products.

The pair discovered their own way of producing high-end goods for affordable prices and the business has grown from strength to strength.

Sarah Johnston, fundraising manger for The ARCHIE Foundation in Tayside, said: “It’s great to have Kenny and Calum support The ARCHIE Foundation once again with an incredible-looking calendar.

“If you like men with beards this is a must have.

“The reaction seems to have been huge so far so we can’t wait to see what they achieve and fair play to the volunteer models who put themselves forward all in the name of charity.

“We really appreciate the help they give us and it really makes a difference to improve the lives of children in hospital.