By Gabriel Rodrigues
Well, it’s that time of year again where growing facial hair plays a significant role in men’s health, and according to Laurentian University’s “Mo-manager”, this month “is a chance to have fun giving back.”
“When you see someone with a mustache you know its Movember,” said Chris Neff.
Movember is a cause that supports men’s health programs to combat prostate and testicular cancer and mental health challenges. The idea of Movember is to encourage men to grow a mustache for 30 days during the month of November, asking friends and family to donate their efforts to the cause.
This is Neff’s second year organizing Laurentian’s Movember campaign, as last year’s cause rose over $15,000 throughout the month, and said he’s hoping to exceed that limit this time around.
“Our goal this year is to raise $20,000,” he said. “Unlike other charities it’s hard to know where your money goes and it leaves you feeling like you aren’t a part of it. With Movember, you can see it on everyone’s face because everyone is growing mustaches, it is a visible fundraiser and you can really see the support from men and even women for that matter.”
Although this is Neff’s second year organizing, he said this is his sixth year participating in Movember.
“When I first started doing it, I was in High school,” he said. “One of my teachers challenged me to a stache off, and I lost really badly. Ever since then, I kept taking part of it because I thought it was a really good campaign.”
Neff believes Movember is a great fundraiser, as the organization tries to add a different aspect to men’s health each year.
“They are one of the best organizations,” said Neff. “Last year, they brought in mental health, and this year they added exercise. There new slogan is ‘sitting is the new smoking’. If you’re sitting and not doing anything, you’re losing just as much life, if you were smoking.”
Neff plans to go “big” for the Movember campaign because after all the money contributed last year, Neff joined the platinum club, which happens when someone reaches over $1,000.
“The CEO of Movember Canada and campus organizer both sent me a hand written letter thanking me for my work,’ he said. “That’s really what Movember is about is thanking the people who are helping you.”
Neff and his team have planned many different events in support of Movember this month, which includes:
- “Dust the ice” at Laurentian’ men’s hockey game on Nov. 22,
- “Dash and stash” a dodge ball tournament on Nov.23,
- “Ball 4 Bro’s” at Laurentian’s men’s basketball game on Nov. 29,
- “It’s Mo-ver” on Nov. 29 at the Pub Downunder,
- And lastly, a “Stash stand-off” on Nov. 30 at Laurentian Residence to conclude Movember.
Neff said he already has 140 members participating in Movember at Laurentian, but hopes to have over 300 at the end of the month.
“It’s for a good cause,” he said. “Canadians are more likely to participate in Movember because we are goofy and we don’t mind having a mustache. Testicular and prostate cancer, and mental health is something that men prefer to not have, but this campaign provides a humorous time in light of something that is serious.”
For more information regarding Movember events or becoming a “Mo-member”, please contact Chris Neff at ca_neff@laurentian.ca or visit the Facebook page LUL Movember 2013.