Did you remember noticing that some CIS teachers and staff looked different in November? Perhaps you saw the beginning of a moustache on Ryan Sayer, Michael Black and Shane Armstrong? They were among 5 million Movember participants across the world growing moustaches to bring awareness to men’s health.

What is Movember? A an annual global initiative that asks men (known as a “Mo bros”) to cleanly shave their face on 1 November, then grow a moustache for the month.

Run by the Movember Foundation for the past 13 years, money raised through Movember  has funded over 1200 men’s health projects to fight globally against prostate cancer and testicular cancer, and support mental health and suicide prevention. These funded projects offer innovative solutions, using new ideas and new technology to solve long-standing problems. Although women cannot physically grow a mo in Movember, they (“Mo sisters”) are invited to support men by donating money towards the fundraising for men’s health.

The research referenced on the Movember website shows that “the state of men’s health is in a crisis; men are dying too young.” The act of men changing their appearance by growing a moustache is a fun way they can get involved, and raise money for the Movember movement, and in the process encourage us all to “take action to live healthier, happier and longer lives.”

Each CIS “Mo bro” had a different reason for getting involved in Movember, so we asked them why they volunteered to participate:

Mr Ryan Sayer - grade 6 teacher:

I'm happy to join the Movember campaign again. Not only does it raise funds and awareness of men's health but it also reminds me to take care of myself. It's a reminder to eat right, get plenty of exercise, and visit the dentist and doctor for a checkup.

Mr Michael Black - grade 6 teacher:

I'm always happy to chip in with growing a "Mo" for Movember. It's hard to believe that this is my 6th consecutive year growing for the cause! It's never too early to start taking of your body and I strongly believe in the importance of raising awareness for the major health problems highlighted by Movember. I'm looking forward to shaving off this caterpillar and I plan to grow another 'Mo' next year!

Mr Shane Armstrong - CEO:

I haven't taken part in Movember for a number of years, so long ago in fact, that on my last attempt my moustache was completely black - not so this time around. I was happy to join the campaign after being 'enticed' by Ryan and Michael. Men are not always vigilant in taking an active approach to monitoring their health. However, speaking from experience, the older you get, the more you realise that you really are not invincible. Precaution can be a great preventer. If growing a moustache has in some way added to the awareness of men's health, then the pain of seeing my greying upper lip has been worth it.