/https%3A%2F%2Fnightlife.ca%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F11%2Fmovember-mike-casali-preaches-stache-gospel-114619.jpg)
Nothing exudes more manliness than a fully grown, razor-sharp, proudly sported moustache. Men rocking the “mo”, as Aussies call it, are always surrounded by an aura of utter masculinity, but simultaneously tainted by a slightly derisory touch. Thus, the creators of Movember came up with the best concept to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer while having a good time: make November the “moustache month” all around the world. All men or “Mo Bros” are encouraged to grow their finest facial hair for 30 days, spreading the gospel about men’s health and prostate cancer along the way. People can contribute by donating to Prostate Cancer Canada via cheque or following this link. Here’s our interview with Mike Casali, owner of Three Monkeys boutique and chairman of the event in Montreal.
How can Montrealers participate and celebrate Movember?
It’s super easy and fun! I think that’s what makes this such an awesome campaign. All you have to do is go to movember.com and register, either as an individual or as part of a team. Once you’re registered, they send you all the info you need and you’re all set up to start collecting funds online through your "Mo Space".
As far as celebrating goes… in the same way they say "blondes have more fun", Mo Bros have more fun too, life in a moustache is just a constant party. But I guess you can also check out all of the great Mo Parties going on throughout the month in Montreal and globally under "events" on the Movember website as well. Most importantly, there is the final Official Movember Gala Parté… taking place in Montreal on Movember 26th at Le Belmont featuring The Moustache Men DJs and all kinds of other fun surprises.
What are the fundamental values of Movember?
Movember is basically a growing club of modern gentlemen who believe in the virtues of fine moustachery, immaculate grooming and growing a moustache for Movember. The focus being on drawing people’s attention with your moustache to spark conversations about men’s health, prostate cancer in particular. It’s all quite brilliant and brings out both men’s competitive nature and their sense of masculinity and style.
How did you get involved with the Movember organisation?
I was enlisted by a Mo Sister last year for the first time… My friend Liz told me all about it Movember 1st of 2009 and I found it to be such a great concept that I literally ran to the bathroom, busted out the razor, shaved down, documented it and kicked off my online campaign solo and started calling up all of the boys. 30 days and over $6200 dollars later, we had drawn the attention of some folks at Movember Canada and they asked me to be Montreal Chairman this year… I said yes before they finished the sentence.
1 out of 6 Canadians gets diagnosed with prostate cancer during his life. How can men prevent this disease?
Well it’s 1 in 6 now but it’s even expected to rise to 1 in 4 within a decade… Prostate cancer is 90% curable if detected and treated in its early stages, so the best way to prevent it is to really just get regular check ups, guys just need to get their act together. There’s the obvious as well… don’t smoke, get exercise, eat right, chill out, easy on the booze. Sadly, although a dedicated Mo Bro, I myself am not the picture of men’s health. But I am working on it… and when I drop dead, I’ll say "I told you so".
Could Movember be the inspiration behind the infamous hipster moustache? NO. And this point kind of bothers me. I’ve had people say "I don’t wanna grow a moustache because it’s such a hipster thing to do". Well that’s just silly… There is no correlation between the hipster moustache and a gentleman of Movember.
What is the best barbershop to groom your “mo”?
Menick (1960, Masson) is probably Montreal’s legendary barber; he certainly has some primo moustache grooming experience under his belt. Grooming your own Mo is pretty rewarding in itself though.
What is the craziest moustache you’ve ever seen?
The craziest? Have you seen some of the moustaches they rock in India?? Those guys don’t mess around. Google "Indian Moustaches"… Enjoy.
What are the secrets behind a perfect moustache?
Attitude.
Which famous character is a model of moustachery?
There are a ton… Adam Garone, Cheech, Tom Selleck, Ron Jeremy, Lando Calrissian Hulk Hogan, Chuck Norris, Fu Manchu, Pancho Villa, Salvador Dali, Borat, Burt Reynolds, Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Einstein, Inspector Clouseau, Ned Flanders and so so many more…
Movember’s Gala Parté
November 26th at Belmont | 4483, Saint-Laurent | movember.com
