Movember
Annual moustache-growing event for men's health awareness.
Every November, men around the world grow moustaches as part of Movember, an annual campaign that raises awareness and funds for men’s health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide prevention. The name blends “mo”—Australian slang for moustache—with “November.” The Movember Foundation, operating through Movember.com, runs the event with the mission to “change the face of men’s health.” To date, the foundation has collected over $1 billion and backed more than 1,200 projects across over 20 countries.
The charity encourages men—whom it calls “Mo Bros”—to take part, aiming to boost early cancer detection, improve diagnoses and treatments, and cut down on preventable deaths. Beyond annual checkups, the foundation urges men to learn their family cancer history and adopt healthier lifestyles. The moustache serves as the movement’s symbol, focusing on three key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.
Movember events have been run since 2004, starting in Australia and New Zealand with an event organized by a group unrelated to the later foundation. In 2007, they expanded to Ireland, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Spain, the UK, Israel, South Africa, Taiwan, and the US. By 2011, Canadians were the largest national contributors. In 2010, the testicular cancer campaign Tacheback ended or was absorbed separately; no official merger occurred. The Global Journal listed Movember among the world’s top 100 NGOs in 2012.
**History**
**Origins** In 1999, a story on Seven Nightly News featured a group of young men in Adelaide, South Australia, who coined “Movember” and the idea of growing moustaches for charity throughout November. The “Movember Committee” explained they came up with the concept one night at a pub. Starting with 80 men in Adelaide, it quickly became a nationwide phenomenon. They also sold T-shirts to raise money for the RSPCA, calling it “Growing whiskers for whiskers.”
In 2004, a separate group in Melbourne organized an event where 30 men grew moustaches for 30 days to raise awareness for prostate cancer and depression. The movement was started by Adam Garone, Travis Garone, Luke Slattery, and Justin (JC) Coughlin, who were the organizers and brought in 26 other friends with a goal to “bring back” the moustache trend.
Quick Facts
- Founders
- Adam Garone / Travis Garone / Luke Slattery / Justin Coghlan
- Headquarters
- Melbourne, Australia
- Location
- Los Angeles / London / Toronto
- Leader Title
- Chairman
- Leader Name
- Nicholas Reece
- Purpose
- Helping men live happier, healthier, longer lives
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The origins of Movember trace back to 1999, when a group of young men in Adelaide, South Australia, coined the term 'Movember' and the idea of growing moustaches for charity. They called themselves the 'Movember Committee' and initially raised money for the RSPCA by selling T-shirts under the slogan 'Growing whiskers for whiskers'. In 2004, an unrelated group in Melbourne organized an event where 30 men grew moustaches for 30 days to raise awareness for prostate cancer and depression. This group was organized by Adam Garone, Travis Garone, Luke Slattery, and Justin (JC) Coughlin, who recruited 26 other friends. The next year, nearly 500 participants raised $54,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Reader's Guide
Movember's significance lies in its global mobilization of men to address health issues that are often stigmatized or neglected. By using the moustache as a visible symbol, the campaign encourages early cancer detection, regular check-ups, awareness of family history, and healthier lifestyles. The foundation has expanded from Australia and New Zealand to over 20 countries, including Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with Canadians becoming the largest contributors by 2011. Despite its fundraising success—$837 million raised and over 1,200 projects funded—Movember has faced criticism. A 2012 study in The BMJ questioned its emphasis on screening tests not supported by evidence, and a 2015 study found that Twitter conversations during Movember Canada 2013 focused more on social aspects than health. Another 2015 study noted that mental health was virtually not discussed. Nonetheless, Movember has been recognized as one of the world's top 100 NGOs by the Global Journal in 2012, and its partnerships with organizations like Google Chrome, TOMS, Qantas, and Pringles have amplified its reach.
Did You Know?
- The term 'Movember' was first coined in 1999 by a group of young men in Adelaide, South Australia, who initially raised money for the RSPCA.
- In 2010, Movember merged with the testicular cancer event Tacheback.
- The first International Man of Movember was Mark Knight from London in 2010.
- In 2012, the Global Journal listed Movember as one of the world's top 100 NGOs.
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