Hard work pays off once again for Tim Millar, guitarist of Canadian metal powerhouse PROTEST THE HERO. Millar has been growing his beard for three years in hopes of competing in the 2009 World Beard and Moustache Championships, which will be held this Saturday, May 23 in Anchorage, Alaska. Millar will be competing in the Alaskan Whaler category.

A film crew will be accompanying Tim as he and Beard Team Canada compete for the first time in this global event. More information about the competition can be found at www.worldbeardchampionships.com.

Tim tentatively plans to shave the whole thing off when he returns home.

“I'd like to raise money for Locks of Love, a charity that makes wigs for cancer patients under 18. Even though they won’t accept a beard hair donation, I intend to cut off my beard in hopes of raising money and donating the proceeds to the organization. If I raise enough through the Beard Team Canada site, I’ll shave off my beard” says Millar.

Fans can donate by clicking www.beardteamcanada.org.

Protest The Hero’s upcoming Live CD/DVD titled Gallop Meets The Earth, is set to release August 11 in Canada. Protest The Hero’s second full-length album, Fortress, was released in January 2008 and debuted on the Canadian Nielsen Soundscan chart at #1. Fortress also received a Juno nomination in 2009 for Best Rock Record. 'Blood Meat', the first single from Fortress, will be available as a Guitar Hero Download on Xbox Live on July 30. The band will be announcing more North American dates shortly.

Protest The Hero is vocalist Rody Walker, bassist /vocalist/lyricist Arif Mirabdolbaghi, vocalist/guitarist Tim Millar, guitarist Luke Hoskin, and drummer Moe Carlson.