Meaningful Moustaches

27 December 2021Jensa NG, Mack ‘23

On Thursday, October 25th, at Assembly, Cam M and Alec D took to the stage armed with hairy philtra and the hope of raising money and awareness for a great cause. They were advocating for Movember, an organization that supports and raises awareness for men’s mental health as well as prostate and testicular cancers.

The idea of Movember started in 2003 down under in Melbourne, Australia, when two mates – Travis Garone and Luke Slattery – met up for a beer. At this time, moustaches had disappeared from fashion trends. Their goal was to bring them back. They found 30 guys willing to take up the challenge. In the year 2003, zero dollars were raised. And the participating countries included – Australia.

However, last year, 22 countries were involved, with “6,538,699 Mo Bros and Mo Sisters, and over 1,250 men’s health projects funded since 2003” (Movember.com). Movermber.com suggests that “Movember’s success can largely be attributed to the strength of the global community. Regardless of the city in which we live, we’re part of something bigger, united by a commitment to help change the face of men’s health.”

A relative newcomer to the moustachioed scene, Mr. Ganley reflected: “I’ve never had a mustache before, but with my recent infatuation with Ted Lasso, I thought November would be an excellent opportunity to do things ‘the Lasso away’. And given that we’re all wearing masks in class, I’ve been able to hide my embarrassing stache from everybody but my lunchmates.”

Brentwood has been recognizing Movember for “not too long” says Mr Cowie – one of Brentwood’s few year-round mustache growers. In my four years at the school, I certainly remember our Movember Assemblies.

I remember as fully bearded Mr Patel swaggered on stage to the barber’s chair, accompanied by some grinning Grade 12 boy – who was lucky enough to be trusted – to shave ‘The Boss”. This year, we enjoyed a slideshow of the many brave Brentonians who grew (or attempted to grow) something close to the facial adornment that Mr. Collis Handford sports year-round.

See you next Movember!

Jensa NG, Mack ‘23

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