Movember – History
Movember has become a bit of an institution in the UK, a time when outrageous facial hair is not only fully acceptable but encouraged too. In fact, if you’re a man in the UK able to grow a Mo and you’re not sporting a ‘tache during November this year then you’re going to feel very left out! But how did this wonderful fundraising idea begin and what’s the motivation behind it?
The inspiration for Movember comes from Australia, where in 2003 two mates decided to grow moustaches inspired by a friend’s mother who was raising money for breast cancer. They drew up rules for the moustache growing (which are still in place today – for example, no goatees) and decided to make the competition about raising money for men’s health and, in particular, fighting prostate cancer. Since then, Movember has mushroomed into a global event that takes place in at least 21 countries around the world and has so far raised more than £346 million for men’s health. This money has gone into funding more than 770 men’s health projects around the world and making Movember one of the top UK charities.
The importance of the money that is raised through Movember shouldn’t be underestimated. It is one of the few organisations to have recognised that the somewhat poor state of men’s health has a lot to do with lack of awareness and understanding and the fact that men often don’t take action if they don’t feel well. The charity is focused on generating significant improvement in the state of men’s health all over the world and, in particular, targeting mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Money is raised every November by supporters all over the world, either by growing a Mo for 30 days and getting sponsored or fundraising events with a Mo theme. There are even opportunities for the ladies to get involved too (although not by growing a moustache obviously..).
Team Chicago is getting involved with Movember this year, as we think that this is an important cause and one that everyone in the UK should be aware of and helping to support, whether you’re a Mo Bro or a Mo Sista. You can get more information on how we’re going to be getting into the Mo spirit from our Movember page and if you want to grow a Mo yourself then check out the charity’s website. Ready, set…Mo!
