November strikes and the facial hair starts sprouting. “No-Shave November” finally gives men a reason to be lazy and not shave their scruffy faces. However, this November men’s facial hair gains a deeper meaning with “Movember.”
Movember is a worldwide campaign to help spark awareness for men’s health. Movember began Nov. 1, when men all over the world started with a clean shaven face. Throughout the month, men will trim and groom their facial hair into full grown mustaches; these men are referred to as “Mos.” Mos promote awareness for the affects of prostate cancer and other men’s cancer and health diseases.
“I’d participated in No-Shave November for a while and decided to branch out,” said Harding graduate Ian Thomas. “After a brief search, I came across Movember and was sold by their positive campaign to change the face of men’s health.”
Movember started in Australia in 2003 and has now become a worldwide campaign. Countries like New Zealand, the U.S., Finland, the U.K., the Netherlands, Spain and South Africa are all a part of the Mos community.
“Movember is an interesting idea to raise funds for a cause that doesn’t get enough attention,” senior Caleb Rummel said. “I figured I had the ability to help this cause: If I can, why shouldn’t I?”
One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. By the end of Movember, Rummel said that he wants more people to understand the significance of these health issues and wants to make the campus more aware.
The public display of mustaches worn by men are known as “Mo Bros.” The “Mo Sistas” are the women who support the Mos in their efforts by donating money. Prizes are awarded to Mo Bros and Sistas for raising funds for the month of Movember.
The Big Moustache on Campus reward goes to the student who raises the most funds. The winner will receive an 11-day “LA to the Bay” tour trip for two. Other prizes include mustache necklaces, a TOMS gift pack and even a gift certificate for a royal shave treatment at the Art of Shaving chain of barbershops.
“Harding is such a giving campus, I would like to see the student body add Movember, alongside other non profits Harding supports,” Rummel said. “My hope is that Movember be added to the list of efforts who deserve Harding’s attention.”
Anyone can register to take part in Movember at Movember.com.
