Since its humble beginnings brought about by two Aussie mates with a mission in 2003, Movember has become a worldwide movement dedicated to educating the general public on various men’s health issues while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The annual campaign invites participants to grow a moustache for the whole month of November as a way to raise funds. However, there’s more than one way to support this worthy cause. If you’re looking to get involved, but don’t necessarily have a “mo” to grow out, here are some ways you can help:
1. Donate
The official Movember website offers a variety of ways to donate to groundbreaking health projects all year-round. They also have a fund matching programme that businesses and employees can take part in, which is a fantastic way to raise or double your donation.
If you would like to find out more, click here.
2. Move for Movember
If you’re up for a challenge, you can commit to running or walking 60km this month for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour across the world.
Make it a group event and invite family and friends to participate to help stay motivated while you move this November.
3. Host a Mo-ment
Whether it’s bringing snacks to work for a small celebration, inviting friends out to a happy hour at a local pub or restaurant or even throwing a “moustache” party in the comforts of your own home – rallying the crew to throw a Movember party is a great way to raise awareness.
Check out this article by Wind City Novelties for the ultimate how-to guide for throwing the best Movember party ever.
4. Support participating brands
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to show your support for Movember is to put your money to work! Check out what these amazing brands are doing and have your pick:
lululemon
In October, sportswear brand lululemon announced a 3-year partnership with Movember, making it an official Major Partner of the men’s health charity. This year, the brand is showing its support by taking Move to their guests in-stores and online, encouraging them to set a goal to run or walk 60km (or more) and make a move for men’s health.
Depend Underwear
This Movember, Depend will be donating $1 from every marked pack of Depend® Men’s Real-Fit Underwear sold. “These funds will go to the causes supported by The Movember Foundation including Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia, Beyond Blue and critical research at the Monash university – all of whom are working towards helping men live happier, healthier and longer lives,” shares the brand on their website.
L’Oréal Paris
After two years of raising funds and awareness for men’s health, L’Oréal Paris is renewing its partnership with Movember for a third edition. The cosmetics giant has pledged to donate 1.5 million euros to Movember foundation by 2020. The brand is also releasing a limited-edition version of its Long Beard & Skin Oil from its “BarberClub” line. One euro will be donated to Movember for every bottle of the product sold, with the allocated funds going straight to medical research that helps men diagnosed with testicular or prostate cancer.
5. Mo Your Own Way
This year, the team at Movember is encouraging people to create their own challenge in participation of this worldwide campaign. It could be anything from enduring a gruelling test of physical endurance or any wildcard idea you can think of that you want to accomplish in a day, over several weeks or even across the year.
The challenge is to take what ever “Mo Your Own Way” means to you and run with it.
How are you participating in Movember this year? Tell us in the comments below!