Photo by Cole Breiland
Movember November marks men’s health
Stacey Goyan
News Editor
Nichola Ellis observed a strange phenomenon during her time in Australia. Every November, men would grow robust moustaches and come December, they were gone.
Once she learned that this was a fundraising event to support prostate cancer charities, she brought the idea back to Lakehead University.
Movember is a month-long fundraiser for prostate cancer awareness. Ellis says that instead of wearing a ribbon, men grow their own “hairy ribbon” and serve as walking billboards for the cause.
A “mo-bro” starts the month clean-shaven, and grows their moustache all month long. The best moustache will be declared the Man of November. The event has been in Austrailia for six years, and in Canada for the last three.
Ellis says the point of the month is to educate students on the importance of men’s health issues. She admits it can be tricky to get men talking about their health.
Vice-President of Student Issues, Trevor Cava, says the LUSU executive will grow moustaches to support the cause. Cava says he hopes to emulate George Clooney’s moustache in his latest movie, “The Men Who Stare at Goats.”
The VPSI says he has challenged Tom Warden, Director of Athletics, as to who can grow the best moustache. Cava has also attempted to involve various varsity teams in Movember. Cava could not confirm whether any teams were officially involved.
Women are also encouraged to participate by being “mo-sistas.” Some mo-sistas have volunteered to not shave their legs for the month of November to participate, while others support their mo-bro.
Funds raised during Movember will be donated to Prostate Cancer Canada. The focus of the non-profit charity is to fundraise for prostate cancer awareness, and education. The charity also promotes empowering patients to manage their disease.
According to the Prostate Cancer Canada website, 25,500 men be diagnosed this year, while 4,400 will die of the disease.
Prostate cancer typically affects men in their forties. Prostate cancer is the most common type among men. The website also states that 90% of cases can be cured if caught early.
Movember will begin with a kickoff event on November 2nd where “before” pictures will be taken. The month will finish with a gala where the men will take “after” pictures and vote on the best moustache.
The winner will be dubbed the “best mo on campus,” and have a chance to be Canada’s Man of November.
Ellis says that interest in Movember has been good, but more mo-bros and mo-sistas are needed. Interested students should contact Nichola at nmellis@lakeheadu.ca or head down to the LUSU office.