Movember organizers want moustache growers to get active in November
The organizers of Movember, a foundation focused on men's health, are urging their participants to do more than grow hair on their upper lip this November.
They've issued the "MOVE Challenge" for men and women of all ages to commit to 30 days of exercise.
"We know the best thing guys can do for their health is be physically active," said Jesse Hayman, Movember Foundation's director of community engagement.
"So we're trying to get men and women off the couch this Movember."
The foundation is focused on raising awareness and funds for men's health issues, namely prostate and testicular cancer as well as mental health. Moustaches are an outward display of support of the efforts.
Heyman says their "trojan horse" into successful fundraising is just being fun, but their annual spectacle of facial hair has proven to be more than just that.
Canada started participating in Movember in 2004. In its first year, $50,468 was raised. By 2014, donations exploded to $24.1 million.
Heyman believes Canadians have embraced Movember because "they don't mind making fun of themselves."
"Having a moustache, maybe you don't look your best, but it's OK ... there's something about a Canadian sense of humour that gets along with a moustache."
