Grow that moustache with pride

November is Movember in many countries throughout the world. Men proudly grow a moustache during the month to help raise money for men’s health issues; here in Australia that is specifically prostate cancer and depression. Those who take part are called Mo Bros and Mo Sistas and there are lots of posters showcasing these events.

Movember began as an idea in Melbourne. Some friends, after a night of drinking, decided to grow moustaches to get men paying attention to their health and to raise money for men’s health organizations; October has long been dedicated to breast cancer which mostly affects women and they felt men also deserved a month; approximately the same number of men die annually here in Australia from prostate cancer as women who die of breast cancer.

Movember Australia donates money to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Beyondblue: the National Depression Initiative. Last year, over $8 million was raised in Australia alone. Donations can be made in honour of an individual, a team or can be a general donation to the cause. A team can be a group of work colleagues. Movember would be a great way to foster togetherness amongst employees; managers can arrange with local printing companies to create a certificate to give to all those who participate.

There will be many events during the month of November in the Melbourne area; the giant Mr. Moon Face figure at Luna Park will be sporting a moustache through the month. Also, on November 26, the Melbourne Gala Parte will take place at Festival Hall. Mo Bros and Mos Sistas from the area, including those in Braeside, are encouraged to come out and show off their moustaches. There will be a cash bar and lots of fun to be had.

Men have a tendency to ignore health issues; many think it shows weakness to visit a doctor for what they consider a minor thing. Movember seeks to change that, to get men thinking about prostate cancer and other health issues that kill many men yearly. Pick up a flyer today and get involved in helping to raise awareness of these important issues.