Movember Launches 2009 Campaign in Toronto

How to Participate in Prostate Cancer Moustache Charity Movement

Oct 21, 2009

The Movember movement is once again raising money and awareness for men's health, one moustache at a time. A successful launch in Toronto kicked off the 2009 campaign.

It is once again time for moustaches to raise awareness for men's health across the globe. An annual campaign that sees participants growing moustaches for the month of November, Canada's moustache-growers raise money in support of Prostate Cancer Canada. With a campaign launch in Toronto, Movember has raised more than $120,000 for cancer research to date.

What is Movember?

While there are numerous claims to the invention of the term “Movember” as a movement for moustache-growing, Movember as a charity movement for men’s health began in Australia in 2004. With chapters of the charity foundation officially recognized in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, the UK, Ireland, Czech Republic, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, Movember continues to grow each year.

Participants, or Mo Bros as they are known, accept donations throughout the month to support their facial hair growth. Beginning on November 1st with a cleanly shaven face, the Mo Bros can go it alone, as a team, or with the help of a Mo Sista to collect donations in support of men's health and health research. Mo Sistas can participate by pledging to go unshaven and unwaxed, or gather additional support for their Mo Bros. In Canada, the money raised is donated to Prostate Research Canada.

Celebrate with a Gala Party at the End of November

The month concludes with a Gala Parté, a costumed ball held in major city centres of the campaign. Mo bros and Sistas dress up as their favourite moustached heroes, or according to a preferred moustache style. With prizes for the best costume given out in several categories, the Gala Partés are a great way to celebrate a successful campaign. Mo Bros that raise over $100 receive a free ticket to the event, and those that raise $250 are given a ticket to bring a guest. In addition, tickets to the Gala can also be purchased by the general public and Mo Bros who do not receive a free ticket.

More information about participating, donating, and the history of the movement can be found on the official Movember website.

The Movember campaign was officially launched in Toronto at Loki Lounge on October 14. Sponsored in part by Canadian Club, the event featured delicious signature Movember cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a sneak peak at the Movember gift shop items, and an area for facials for men. The highlight of the event was the launch of the campaign’s marketing and promotional material. Emceed by CityTV news anchor Mark Dailey, the event had guest speakers endorsing the campaign, as well as attendees that included Mo Bros, Mo Sistas, 2008 Miss Movember Toronto, the movement founder, and members of the media.

Given the excitement of attendees at the campaign launch, Movember 2009 may be the most successful year to date.

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