"The moustache is our ribbon, the symbol by which we generate conversations, awareness and raise funds for men's health," the official Movember website states.
Often men's health is overlooked as men are traditionally seen as being indifferent to their health in comparison to women, who have very publicly been able to address female specific health issues.
It's that time of year again, Movember. Starting on Nov. 1 guys shave their faces and start growing new moustaches. Essentially over the month of November they grow their facial hair to become a walking reminder of men's health, specifically raising awareness concerning prostate cancer and mental health.
The idea first developed in Melbourne, Australia. It has now become a worldwide sensation with many joining the movement on: ca.movember.com. Here men register to take part in the event with over 1.9 million people participating in campaigns, as the website states.
"In 2011, over 854,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas around the world got on board, raising $125.7 million CAD," the website says.
Funds raised in Canada are specifically routed into research and to bringing awareness to prostate cancer as well as mental health. In Canada the health partner associated with the event is Prostate Cancer Canada.
Movember is not only a great cause, but a fun one for people to become involved in. This year Saskatchewan's own Brad Wall, Premier; will be joining in the action.
"I wanted to grow a mo last year but my staff advised against it. They had seen pictures of me with a mo back in the dayenough said. This year I hope you will help me ignore their advice and cruel comments," Wall's webpage states.
He decided to go through with growing a moustache this year only if he could raise a certain amount of money by the first of November.
"If I raise $3,000 before November 1, I will grow the mo. Then we will just keep raising money through Movember. Donate to this great cause and provide needed funding and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health initiatives. Any amount will help. And men 40+, GET TESTED!" Wall wrote on his donation page.
Currently our premier has surpassed his limit with $3,271 raised meaning throughout the month of Movember he will be growing and grooming a moustache.
Not only has the Premier raised his target fundraising goal; but, he currently sits eighth on the individual leader board for those in Canada.
Interestingly the website also tracks the amount raised and how many people are registered in each country participating. Canada has a total of 60,091 registered, though the United Kingdom has 106,476 registrations this does not take away from the fact that currently Canada is in first with amount raised. These 60,097 individuals in Canada have raised $836,151, so far.
Already, without November even having begun, there are 303,156 registrants from around the world with $3 million already raised for the cause.
To support our Premier in this venture visit, http://ca.movember.com/mospace/3355481. He has already found enough pledges to grow his moustache; but, with an entire month ahead he hopes for more donations to this cause.
