Growing a Mo to help your bro

by Mitchell Brandner

Every November, men around the world grow moustaches in support of “Movember”.

The purpose of Movember is for men to stop shaving their upper lip for one month in order to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer and other men’s health issues. According to Movember and Sons Canada, the official website for Movember in Canada, almost $126 million was raised globally last year thanks to donations and sponsorships.

Movember popularity is growing ever year. Fundraising events are everywhere. Companies are having work parties to raise money and hockey teams like the Windsor Spitfires are hosting events and accepting donations. People are also raising money independently.

Ryan Brennan, 20, is hosting a fundraiser at local bar The Bull N’ Barrel to celebrate prostate cancer awareness. The Windsor man co-founded “Movember Bash” last year after prostate cancer hit close to home.

“My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer,” said Brennan. “Within a few short weeks it had spread and there was nothing that we could do about it. Just last year my father had a scare and it really made me want to do something about this helpless feeling I had. So I decided to take action.”

This is the first time Movember Bash is being held at The Bull N’ Barrel.

“I just feel like it is the best venue for what our goals were set for,” said Brennan. “Not to mention them being great hosts and have had a lot to offer. They even picked up all of our printing costs.”

Movember started when Adam Garone and his brother were at a bar in 2004 with some friends and decided to see if they could bring the moustache back in style. The next year they decided to grow out a moustache for November and raise money for men’s health.

“We persisted and we got 450 guys growing moustaches,” Garone said November 2011  in a speech. “Together we raised $54 thousand and we donated every cent of that to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.”

Since Movember began in 2004 the money raised has increased each year according to Movember and Sons Canada.

“We’ve redefined charity,” said Garone. “We’re redefining the way prostate cancer researchers are working together throughout the world and I hope through that process that I inspire you to create something significant in your life.”

While other forms of cancer and health issues have a ribbon for awareness, men’s health has the moustache. Men around the world are united by a single cause every November.

“What you put in you get back in return and then some,” said Brennan. “Seeing the look on everyone’s faces when they see what we’ve accomplished is what it’s all about.”