Men are facing a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. They are dying too young, and not enough people were talking about it. The Movember Foundation recognized that crisis and began taking action more than ten years ago – when they started a nonprofit to combat prostate cancer. Participating in Movember means raising funds for men’s health, and growing a mustache is your chance to do just that. Start clean shaven, grow throughout the month, and get some serious funds behind the men who need it most.
How it Got Started
In 2003, two buddies named Travis Garone and Luke Slattery met up for a quiet beer in Melbourne, Australia, and the idea that sparked Movember was born. At the time, the mustache had all but disappeared from fashion trends. Could they bring it back? They found 30 guys willing to take up the challenge. Inspired by the mustache’s ability to generate a conversation, the crew decided to take things to the next level a year later. Garone steps up to register the Movember Foundation and create a website. Justin Coghlan came on board to kickstart things in Queensland. Funds raised go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). At the time, that first Movember check was the largest single donation the PCFA had ever received – and it’s growing every year.
The Movember movement officially launched in the US in 2007, in partnership with Prostate Cancer Foundation. The Movember Board is formally established.
Movember Today
This year, The Movember Foundation receives a ranking of 49 out of the top 500 non-governmental-organizations around the world. More than $710 million has been raised for prostate cancer awareness since 2003 – an incredible number when you think about the organization’s humble beginnings!
5,232,625 people have participated in Movember since 2003, and the number just keeps growing every year.
To make a difference this year, make a donation directly to the website, or start growing your own ‘mo! A little facial hair goes a long way. More than just follicles on your face, your Mo is a ribbon – reminding the people in your life of the importance of men’s health. First, sign up on the website; start growing your ‘stache; and then raise money for an awesome cause!
For mustache inspo, check out our 5 top picks for ‘stache styles this year! Start off with a clean slate and make an appointment 18/8 for a full shave before you begin.