Hairy men gather to raise funds and awareness

HUNDREDS of hairy men converged in Wallington last week for the 15th annual Movember “Gentlemen of Geelong” Lunch.

From humble beginnings with a few blokes having lunch at a pub, the event held at Flying Brick Cider House smashed all previous records with more than 230 hairy boys attending.

Guest speakers comprised former Victorian Premier and beyondblue patriarch Jeff Kennett, and radio personality and raconteur Ian Cover. Men talked, laughed, ate, drank and raised awareness and funds for Men’s Health.

Last year, the lunch and individual’s efforts raised more than $50,000, and this year they were on track to raise around $60,000.

All funds raised go to the men’s 2018 selected charities, which include the National Centre for Farmer Health, Lifeline, Movember Foundation, beyondblue, RUOK, Aussie Helpers and International Association for Suicide Prevention.

A lot of the men came from all over the state to attend, as it was a good excuse for farmers in particular to catch up with old friends and to get together.

Depression and suicide is an issue that has touched quite a lot of attendees and the backbone of the lunch is to encourage men to think and talk more about traditional “no go” areas, recognise signs in themselves and others and work on prevention.

Anyone wanting to donate to this great cause can go to au.movember.com and type in “Gentlemen of Geelong”, then select their man to donate to.