Movember’s success relies on creativity and teamwork

Looking for an excuse to grow the moustache of your manly dreams? Every Movember (that’s “mo” for “moustache”), gentlemen and ladies alike do their part to raise money for research and prevention of prostate cancer, the most common cancer to afflict Canadian men – as prevalent in men as breast cancer is in women.

According to Mike Casali, chairman of the Montreal Movember branch and manager of local boutique Three Monkeys, new-and-improved features for Movember 2011 include a fully-revamped and bilingual website, as well as new mobile and Facebook apps to keep fellow participants connected.

“My role as chairman is to do my best to get people involved. I pass on the info, and I grow a mean moustache. I’m also the captain of my own Movember Team with a bunch of buddies and co-workers,” says Mike. Mo Sistas and Bros can join teams or start their own to raise funds, or they can also Mo on their own.

The campaign has grown a lot since its inception: in 2009, Quebec had just 1,368 registered “Mo Bros and Sistas” who raised $263,042; last year the number of registrants jumped to 7,266, who raised a staggering $944,528. The campaign’s success undoubtedly has to do with the creativity and woolly initiative shown by participants.

Although Movember is all about the ‘stache, you don’t need to grow one to participate. “The Mo Sista’s role is just as important as the Mo Bro’s!” says Mike. “Every Mo Sista has a father, brother, husband, boyfriend or co-worker who would benefit from increased awareness on men’s health issues.”

“Grow what you got! This is about having fun and doing good. The ‘Lame Mo’ reflects a truly humble and earnest effort. Just start on Movember 1st completely clean shaven and embark on your moustache-growing journey.”

Movember Gala Parté
(with awards ceremony) Movember 25
Corona Theatre | 2490 Notre-Dame W.| Métro Lionel-Groulx
movember.com