The Growing Popularity Of Movember


Shutterstock / Morocko © movember

We’re finally into the festive months of 2020, and that can only mean one thing: Movember is here again.

The annual charity challenge sees men all over the world attract sponsorship by growing out their moustaches, aims to raise awareness and funds for projects relating to three key men’s health causes:

  • Prostate cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Mental health support and suicide prevention

From humble beginnings in Australia in 2003, the charity behind the challenge has grown into a truly global phenomenon, with more than 5 million people taking part.

Famously, this once included “Friend” Features Ed Alex, and Alan from our Fiction team:

movember

Photograph by DC Thomson Ltd.

If this isn’t the advert for a new buddy cop movie, I don’t know what is. And I’d pay to see that movie right now.

The aim of Movember

The charity may encourage light-hearted (or in my case, light-haired) activity, but it’s aim is very serious:

By 2030, we aim to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%

And, of course, their fundraising efforts aren’t just confined to one month of the year. 

People can donate any time, and as many times as they like.

So although the facial hair is entirely optional, I feel like the coronavirus lockdown may have given the scruffier amongst us a bit of a head start. 

But, to be honest, it would take some serious work to outshine that photo!


Looking for ways to get involved this Movember? Click here for more information.

Read more from the “Friend” team on our blog.

Iain McDonald

Iain is Digital Content Editor at the "Friend", making him responsible for managing flow of interesting and entertaining content on the magazine's website and social media channels.