A group of men from Pilot Mound are baring it all to help raise money for the town's arena and recreation complex.
The men, who range in age from 55-95, posed for photos in a calendar that's giving a whole new meaning to community spirit.
In a town where everyone knows everyone, residents of Pilot Mound just got to know some of their neighbours in a way they never expected.
The men set aside their inhibitions and showed some skin for the calendar project called "Baring It All For The Community."
The participants posed in a creative but "respectable" manner incorporating a golf cart, zamboni, and even an aircraft as props for their photos. One thing remained the same in all the pictures, the men were wearing very few articles of clothing, if anything at all. In some cases, only covering up thanks to some strategic poses.
Handi-van driver Dave Stiff, 71, posed on the front step of his bus. He said was hesitant at first and when it came time for the shoot he got more than he bargained for.
"I just thought I had to take my shirt off,” said Stiff. “Well I ended up down to my boxer shorts.”
The eldest participant, T.S. Taylor, 95, picked up a square bail and took his spot in the calendar as Mr. April.
Elgin Phair, 80, was more than willing to take his place as Mr. February selling 50/50 tickets at the rink.
"At my age why would you be nervous,” said Phair.
Ginger Collins is a member of the calendar committee. She said the idea has been floating around the community for some time but finally got off the ground thanks to some encouragement from a new resident who moved from Saskatoon.
"Pilot Mound would be a place where you could take it and run with it," said Collins.
It's more than just for kicks, the calendar is a fundraiser for the Pilot Mound Millennium Recreation Complex.
Fifteen years ago, volunteers spent hours bringing the former Sundance Arena from northern Manitoba to Pilot Mound after the town purchased the rink. They spent many more hours on construction putting it back together and fundraising for upgrades. Now it's completely operated by volunteers.
Many consider the complex the heart of the community. It features an Olympic-size skating arena, a curling rink and will soon have a museum and 100-seat theatre.
"It's just amazing what a small town can do when they all pull together,” said Stiff. “That's the great thing about it."
That arena was the backdrop for several of the calendar's photos.
For example Mr. January 2017, Bob Platt, posed on the arena's zamboni wearing only a bow tie.
Mr. January 2016, Harle Munro, was photographed tying his skates in a dressing room wearing just a jock strap and one hockey sock.
The photos were taken by Greg Currie who also posed for the calendar even though he didn't fit the age criteria.
"It was something that I have never attempted before and when you're approached by four women to take pictures of naked men you kind of wonder what the heck's going on but it was a unique project,” said Currie. “It turned well.”
Everyone's photo was unique but each of the men all did it for the same reason and are now simply known as the "Legends of Pilot Mound."
"To do something this different they might be considered legends now,” said calendar committee member Pam Sheffield.
So far 200 copies have been sold raising $4000 for their arena.
The calendars are available in black and white for $25 at Home Hardware and Cappelli Salon in Pilot Mound.
Organizers will mail calendars once payment is received.
