Nowadays you could be forgiven for confusing the pronunciation of the 11th month of the year.
The take-up of Movember Foundation, the independent global charity that asks its participants to grow a moustache – or ‘mo’ – for the month of November to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and mental health issues, was staggering last year.
More than 1.1 million ‘Mo Bros’ and ‘Mo Sistas’ joined the movement, raising $141.5 million across the world. The Australian tally was $29.1 million.
Since its humble beginnings in 2003, Movember has raised more than $450 million towards men’s health research worldwide.
Hume Central Secondary College teacher Michael Mawal has rallied teachers and students at the school to grow a moustache and contribute to tackling men’s health issues for the remainder of the month.
While he has had no direct contact with anyone affected by prostate cancer, the Moreland youth worker works closely with young men dealing with mental health issues.
“Seeing the increase in young teenage boys developing depression or anxiety, I wanted to make people aware that these people are struggling,” Mr Mawal said.
It’s the third time he has taken part in the campaign, and he’s managed to convince seven teachers and nine students to join in his hair-growing and fund-raising efforts.
“I didn’t want to be embarrassed by myself with a sleazy mo. Now even the campus principal is involved,” Mr Mawal said.
Their team of students and teachers hopes to beat last year’s efforts and raise more than $1200.
“Together we will grow our mos and make Hume proud,” Mr Mawal said.
