Momentum grows ahead of Movember

THE Movember Foundation is returning to Geelong bigger, better and hairier than ever for this year’s moustache-growing fundraising season.

Nearly 1,000 Mo Bros and Sistas across Geelong raised more than $212,000 in 2017 to help stop men dying too young, and with the foundation celebrating its 15th anniversary in Australia this year, Movember is hoping to again build on this success.

Movember Foundation Australia country director Rachel Carr said she had seen men in her life go through really tough times and heard first-hand the impact that men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide had on Aussie men.

“Being part of the Movember movement is about raising the volume on men’s health and I’ll be joining our Mo Bros and Sistas in shouting from the rooftops this Movember.

“There’s still a lot of work that needs to be done – but with each Mo grown, dollar raised and story shared by our Movember community we get closer to our goal of stopping men dying too young.”

Each year, more than 4,000 Victorian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 760 die from the disease. Another 450 men die by suicide each year.

During Movember, men “Grow” a moustache for the month, getting friends, family and colleagues todonate to their effort, but it’s not the only way to get involved.

Anyone can sign up for “Move”. You don’t have to be an ultra-athlete or own the latest kicks. All you have to do is commit to walking or running 60 kilometres over the month. That represents 60 kilometres for the 60 men we lose each hour, every hour, to suicide, globally.

You can also get together with mates to “Host” a mo-ment – it could be anything from cooking up a fancy dinner, teeing up a sports match, running a baking competition or holding a shave down to get the month started. Do what you enjoy with mates to help men live happier, healthier and longer lives.

To donate or participate, head to movember.com.