Movember fundraising begins Friday

Movember, the annual moustache-growing fundraiser, kicks off Friday with the goal of starting conversations around men’s health.

Organizer Mitch Hermansen says you don’t have to grow a mo’ to take part.

“People that can’t or don’t want to grow a moustache, you can do the physical move challenge, walk or run 60 kilometers during the month,” said Hermansen.

“Movember by yourself, or maybe rally some friends or colleagues, [and] get behind the cause that supports prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.”

The Movember website says 80.8 per cent of funds raised are allocated to men’s health projects. Hermansen says donations have made Movember the number two funder of prostate cancer research in the country.

“Second only to the federal government,” he explained. “That funding goes towards research projects, how we diagnose and treat prostate cancer and advanced prostate cancer.”

Hermansen says, depending on where you live in B.C., access to prostate cancer care can vary drastically. He says Movember funds aim to change that state of affairs.

“We know not all men receive the same level of treatment. For example, if you are in downtown Vancouver, you’re going to get great treatment because we have got the Vancouver Prostate Centre.

“But, if you’re in Northern B.C., you’re not going to get the same treatment. So, how do we help provide the same treatment for men regardless of where they live or as close as we can.”

Last year, Movember Canada raised more than $25 million.