It’s that time of year again, when men across the world put down their razors and give the idea of growing some facial fuzz a go. (Featured image is by Movember.com)
That’s right; ‘Movember’ is finally upon us, giving men everywhere an excuse to attempt that glorious moustache they’ve always dreamed of having.
While not all will admit it, every man out there dreams of being able to grow a formidable upper lip of hair. Unfortunately for most, the attempt doesn’t quite become the powerful handlebar moustache they dream of – more of a patchy caterpillar sitting just under the nose.
But style and sophistication is not the point of Movember; it is about raising awareness of men’s health and raising money for men’s cancer charities.
Movember was established in 2003 by a few friends in Melbourne, Australia, who came up with the idea over a beer.
They wanted to create a fun campaign that was about ‘real men, talking about real issues and changing the face of men’s health, one moustache at a time’.
And that’s exactly what they’ve done. From those humble beginnings, Movember has become a truly global phenomenon.
There are now Movember campaigns in 21 countries around the world, and last year more than £79 million was raised. The Movember movement is bigger than ever this time around, so how are people pitching in around the world?
Mo running
Movember isn’t just about growing a moustache anymore, there are other ways you can get involved and raise some cash for a good cause.
One way is to engage in a spot of Mo running, otherwise known simply as running. In Britain, the first ‘Mo run’ took place back in 2009 and since then the concept has spread like wildfire.
There are now Mo runs held up down the country throughout Movember, from Glasgow to Cardiff, Milton Keynes to London.
Mo runs, which are usually 10k (though there are some 5k ones), are hugely popular so be sure to register as soon as possible if you wish to take part.
British Airways
It seems that it’s not just men who can get involved with moustache-growing this Movember; aircraft can get in on the act too.
A British Airways Airbus A319 has been given its very own facial hair for the duration of Movember, donning the sophisticated ‘connoisseur’ moustache.
It’s not just BA aircraft that are being urged to ‘tache-up, male staff are also encouraged to get involved and raise awareness and money.
“We’re always delighted to support Movember, it’s a charity that is very dear to our hearts here at British Airways, especially as our former CEO Lord Marshall suffered from the disease,” said Liz Wilkinson, British Airways head of health services.
“As well as raising money, the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness on the importance of early detection and prevention of the illness.”
Australia
We Brits have embraced Movember whole-heartedly, but Australia is where it all began and the Aussies know better than most how to mark the occasion.
All sorts of events are taking place in the Land Down Under this Movember, from ‘Mo runs’ to galas and fund-raisers.
Cricket clubs around the country also get involved regularly, merging two favourite Aussie pastimes – sport and moustaches.
As part of the My Cricket Cares programme, local cricket clubs are encouraged to get into the Movember spirit and raise as much cash as possible. There’s even the chance for participating clubs to win a visit from a top Aussie cricket star.
Canada
Movember is just as popular on the other side of the Atlantic, with our friends in Canada raising millions each year.
As with other countries around the world, Gala Partés are being held across Canada at the end of the month to celebrate the money raised and the efforts of participants.
From Vancouver to Toronto and everywhere in between, the Gala Partés are sophisticated affairs (to start with anyway) where guests are encouraged to dress up to the nines and show off their 30 days of facial fuzz in all its glory.
Movember may have already got underway, but it’s not to late to get involved. You can register at Movember.com.
