Since its beginnings in Melbourne, Australia, Movember has grown into a world-wide phenomenon. Men around the world grow moustaches in support of the initiative where for 30 days in November, men become walking billboards for the awareness of men's health.
This movement is alive and well in Carlyle and area where men have teamed up to promote education about men's health issues. Whether the men are in the grocery store, gas station, or at their place of work, the movement is into its third week and the results are obvious as seen on the faces of those involved.
The movement in 2010 alone raised $76.8 million for the leading type of cancer in men, prostate cancer. Of this, $22.3 million was raised in Canada where funds went directly to Prostate Cancer Canada.
Participation is growing by leaps and bounds to the point where if you aren't growing a moustache, the question is why not? Individual groups make up their own extra incentives or guidelines to make their hair growing competition that much more fun. But there are always a few rules to live by. Movember.ca, the official website for the Movember movement, outlines the definition of what exactly a 'Mo' is.
On 'Shadowe'en', otherwise known as October 31, each male participant is to shave their faces clean, removing all facial hair. From that point on, each participant is to grow and groom their moustaches during the 30 days of November.
There are, however, a few 'growing' rules. According to Movember.ca, the rules for the 'Mo' are as follows. There is to be no joining of the 'Mo' to side burns and there is to be no joining of the handlebars. Otherwise, the movement is free game and even small complimentary growths under the bottom lip are allowed.
The staff members at Gordon F. Kells high school are just one of the many groups raising funds for the cause. Since Nov. 1, the male teachers and support staff have been preparing their moustaches in hopes of gaining the support of their students.
This past week, donation jars were set up for students and staff to donate money towards the cause. Those donating are able to vote for their favourite 'Mo' by placing their donations into the respective 'growers' jar.
The results have been noteworthy with more and more money being donated each day. In fact, one student alone donated $100 to the cause.
But the fun doesn't stop there. The staff members participating in the initiative have agreed to a 'pie-in-the-face' fundraiser to be held at the end of the month to raise additional funds. The 'grower' bringing in the most money forgoes the 'pie-in-the-face,' while the remaining staff offer their faces as targets for whip cream pies for the cost of $1 per pie.
One thing is for sure, not only is Movember alive and well in Carlyle, but so too is the spirit meant to accompany it.
