“A man without a moustache is like a cup of tea without sugar” goes an old English proverb, and if you agree you should take part in Movember.
Movember is a fun charity which takes place during the entire month of November in which men grow moustaches for charity. In Ireland, all funds raised by ‘Mo Bros’ (as those who take part are known ), go towards Action Prostate Cancer, an initiative of the Irish Cancer Society.
Movember originally began in Australia in 2003 to raise awareness about men’s health issues. Since then it has grown and now takes place each year in Ireland, Britain, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Spain. To date Movember has raised more than €73 million worldwide.
So what is happening in Galway for Movember and how can Galway men get involved? Those who want to take part should register on www.movember.com and they can direct family and friends to make donations through the site.
Mo Bros should be clean shaven on November 1 and left free to groom and cultivate their moustache during the month.
The Blue Note on William Street West will host the Movember Launch party on Sunday October 31 with a shavedown for all those taking part. Throughout Movember, Fat Tony’s Barbers in Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, will provide Mo Bros with trims in order to keep their moustaches looking good.
Galway’s Fresh Milk Clothing has also created a T-shirt collection for Mo Bros to don throughout the month.
Galway musicians taking part in Movember have also created a single to celebrate Movember 2010. Two of Galway’s finest young bands - Lost Chord and Go Panda Go - will release a joint single entitled ‘I Wanna Be Tom Selleck‘ at the beginning of November.
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer among Irish men. In Ireland men have a one in nine chance of developing prostate cancer during their lifetime. The most recent data shows there were 2,579 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in Ireland in 2008.
Last year’s Movember saw nearly 7,000 Irish men take part in the event and help raise more than €1 million in just one month.
“The Irish Cancer Society greatly appreciates your ongoing support of Movember campaign,” said John McCormack, CEO Irish Cancer Society. “It is wonderful to see such a large, enthusiastic and ever increasing following. Movember partnership allows us drive awareness around prostate and other cancers to even more men across the country. We urge you to join us and all the Mo Bros in this unique campaign.”
So if you want to join the distinguished list of pogonophiles like Friedrich Engels, Freddie Mercury, Lord Kitchener, Darwin Deez, and Salvidor Dali, then go to www.movember.com and register to take part.
