THE hairiest month of the year is here – it’s time for Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to join the biggest movement for men’s health – Movember.
For the past 13 years, across 21 countries, Movember has become a global effort to raise funds and awareness around the often ignored issue of men’s health. Help change the face of men’s health – sign up, grow a mo, save a bro. The campaign is calling all men to start November clean shaven, and then to grow and groom a moustache (or mo) for the entire month.
Local Durban celebs and Movember ambassadors joined the two shave-off events on 1 November. Lotus FM’s Neville Pillay and Ryan Naicker were at Nev the Barbers in Durban North for the shave off. The duo is gearing up for outside broadcast events throughout the month whereby they will be challenging and mo(tivating) their male listeners to help support Movember and raise money.
Also at the morning event was Mo Sista Jane Baillie from the band Veranda Panda, famed magician Mo Magic and local surfing and lifesaving legend, Brandon Ribbink.
Ribbink lost his mother to skin cancer and has first-hand experience on the difference that awareness and prevention can make.
“This (skin cancer) was preventable,” he said. As a man who is constantly on the water and in the sun Ribbink said he is constantly aware of his own health.
“But we could all be more aware. I think any medical condition is a worry; our health is one of our biggest blessings and no amount of money can buy this when it’s gone.”
The second shave-off event took place in Hillcrest at Gerald Wells’ Barber Shop. Movember Ambassadors’ included Olympic gold medalist Chad le Clos and his dad Bert, as well as East Coast Radio’s breakfast show presenter Darren Maule, and SA Rugby Legend AJ Venter. These Movember Ambassadors have signed up to lead the charge in raising awareness and opening dialogues about issues that affect men as well as the promotion of the need to improve your general health.
“The moustache is our ribbon for men’s health. As the pink ribbon is to breast cancer, our moustache is our ribbon. Use it to raise awareness and funds and stop men dying too young,” said Garron Gsell, chief executive and founder of the Men’s Foundation which drives Movember in South Africa.
Signing up for Movember is absolutely free. Visit: www.movember.com and register as an individual or a start a team.
Women can sign up as Mo Sistas, in support of their fathers, brothers or sons.
