When Clarenville ‘legend’ Ralph “Boonie” Lethbridge decided to shave his beard after 40 years without picking up a razor, everyone was shocked. But he had a powerful reason he considered more important than his legendary beard.

Known in the Newfoundland community for selling Christmas trees and his long beard, which he’s been growing for 40 years, Lethbridge decided to make a difference after losing two friends to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Lethbridge wanted to raise $5,000 for the local ALS charity, and on Sunday, in the Eastlink Events Centre at a Clarenville Caribous hockey game, he removed his trademark facial hair to raise funds for the ALS Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. His Donations exceeded 15 times that amount, approaching $80,000 as of Thursday afternoon.

“He was there with his brothers, and they were hugging each other. Tears were flowing,” a spectator said. “The whole family is truly salt of the earth people.”

Please SHARE if you admire Lethbridge for his charitable gesture.

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