Is your upper lip twitching in anticipation? Have you picked your style yet? Are you ready to grow your mo, or support a mo-grower, with pride this November?
Last Wednesday I attended the 2011 Sydney launch of Movember. The ticket was compliments of Nuffnang and the party was held upstairs in The Beresford Hotel in Surry Hills. I had no idea that there even was an upstairs to The Beresford, but there is, and it has recently been refurbed with a stage for gigs, a new bar, a middle section of elevated tables and a back lounge – totally different feel to the huge bar downstairs, and very nice.
In addition to making most capital cities in Australia look for 30 days like a Magnum PI fancy-dress party or the set from a bow-chikka-wah-wah film, ‘Movember (the month formerly known as November) is a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men’s health.‘
The initiative was started in Australia in 2003, and from the humble beginnings of a couple of guys who wanted to justify some funky facial hair, it has grown exponentially. In 2010 there were 11 countries with nearly 450,000 Mo-Bros and Mo-Sistas participating and $72 million raised for men’s health, 2011 is looking to be even bigger. Having lost both RJ’s father – 7 and a half years ago, and uncle – only a few weeks ago, to cancer that started as prostate, this is an initiative pretty close to my heart. In an attempt to stereotype with a broad brushstroke, men tend to ignore their heath, especially the, ahem, uncomfortable bits, until it is too late. Movember is trying to change that, to ‘encourage men to be more aware and actively involved in their own health‘.
It was a lovely evening. Fun band [wish I knew who they were!], tasty canapes and nice people including a couple of the boys from Bondi Rescue and another blogger, Fiona, from The Little Lioness.
Oh, and a goodie bag of course.
So remember these words as shared by one of the Movember founders: a country gentleman is always prepared; the 5 elements of nature are earth, wind, hair, fire and water; and if you see a gentleman during November with a stunningly crafted ‘stache, a wink and a nod will probably keep him from shaving it off that night.
Go register at Movember.com, or support someone who has, or at the very least, go get a Mr. Mo t-shirt from Target [in Australia, not sure about elsewhere] because they are really cool. And if you are the owner of both X and Y chromosomes, go get a check-up this Movember, your loved ones will thank you for it.
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Movember had no idea who I was before the party and are not sponsors of this post. I just think that they are an amazing organisation raising money for very worthy causes. Thanks again to Nuffnang for the ticket!
Looking stunning…no bias here!!