Movember- Men Shaping the Face of November
Movember is an annual event where you will see new mustaches being grown during the whole of November.
This was evident on our campus where people aimed to raise awareness of men’s health issues. Prostate cancer, men’s suicide, and testicular cancer are serious issues faced in day-to-day life. This campaign's awareness holds significant importance in early detection which aims to increase effective treatments and reduce preventable deaths.
During our Thursday Assembly Jake LH, Whittall ‘24, Norbert M, Rogers ‘24 and Thomas F, Ellis ‘24 announced the beginning of Movember by explaining the symbol of the mustache as the driving force behind this movement. They also went on to share a competition that aimed to push boys within our school to join this initiative by sharing their mustache growth by the end of November to win a prize!
At a Global level, Movember Foundation has raised $837 million and funded over 1,200 projects in more than 200 countries. Anya P, Mack ‘24 says that “It seems like something that brings people together, and I think any positive experience that a group of people can share to uplift others is generally quite encouraging”.
Not only within our own community, but at an international level is where we can see this support.
As someone who is constantly repping Movember Mr Cowie believes that “The Movember initiative is a very important and effective way to draw attention to prostate cancer and raise funds to fight it. It is also the one month in the year when my mustache is not an anachronism. I grew it for the first time in 1975 to raise money for the UVic rugby tour to South America and kept it when I started at Brentwood to make me look older. I think it is great that this has taken hold, not only at Brentwood, but all over.”
The boys enjoyed growing their mustaches together, and it was a bonding experience for them. Bern M, Whittall ’24 said that “seeing the lads grow their mos was a funny experience. Some could grow a full one, some had such blonde hair that it was nearly invisible, and some looked downright atrocious. However, the solidarity and positivity surrounding something as natural as growing a mustache was incredible to see. Awareness for men’s mental health is essential and this month was great for guys to show love to one another.”
It is safe to say that the movement was a great success this month and the boys really came together to support one another. There is nothing more we wish to see as a community here at Brentwood!
Suhana V, Mack ‘24