There is something hairy about this month that seems to be cropping up on the faces of self-described “Mo Bros.”
Many spend November growing a moustache but not just for kicks but to raise awareness and money for prostate cancer research.
“I primarily got started because I had never grown a moustache and I thought this was a reasonable excuse to try,” said Jason Proulx of Gerick Cycle and Sports. “I still feel a little bit silly with this thing on my face.”
He started up the ALLSTAR team last year and already has seven members for this year’s challenge.
The men start growing Nov. 1 and for the rest of the month groom, trim and wax their way to victory. For some, like 18-year-old Harley Thorimbert, this means dying a thin ‘stache to achieve definition.
“A large part of it is it’s humour driven,” said Proulx. “Younger people with moustaches hasn’t been the norm for a couple of decades.”
But sporting a handlebar this month offers more than a good laugh.
Since humble beginnings in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, Movember has grown to become a global movement that has inspired more than 1.1 million people to participate. In 2010, nearly 119,000 Canadian Mo Bros and Mo Sistas got on board, raising $22.3 million.
Teams and members join an online community (movember.com), which tracks donations and ranks “Mo Bros” nationally on their movement.
Proulx has already earned $20 for his tribute he wears proudly. His motivation, “to change the face of men’s health.”
Last year, Fruitvale firefighters jumped on board with about 20 members growing facial hair for a month, even if it was against their loved ones wishes.
The men raised $600 in house and decided to add another element of entertainment by awarding best moustache, best attempt and worst moustache.
“There were some that were pretty gross and others that were full on creepy,” said paid on-call firefighter Rick Meakes. “There were definitely a variety of moustaches.”
The crew caught 20-something Dylan Fitzpatrick in the bathroom touching up his with eyeliner. “I’m not judging,” laughed Meakes.
The fire department hasn’t decided whether it will have another try at it this year but Meakes said he was going to bring it up at their monthly meeting this week.
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate start to grow uncontrollably.
In the early stages, when the cancer cells are only in the prostate, the disease is curable with surgery or radiation. Unfortunately, during this time there are few symptoms.
For more information on prostate cancer, check out www.prostatecancer.ca
Those looking to follow Proulx’s team, join or make a donation can visit http://ca.movember.com/mospace/893456