Old Mo’s. New Tricks. Canadian Mines have fun, doin’ good as a team in Movember – by Movember Staff

Mo Bro Randy Whitcome, BHP Billiton - Specialist Compliance Legal, Potash.
Mo Bro Randy Whitcome, BHP Billiton – Specialist Compliance Legal, Potash.

It’s the time of year when men are getting ready to grow the most epic moustache.

Movember is upon us, the month formerly known as November, which is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces around the world, all in the name of men’s health. During Movember Canadians band together in teams within their industry to create a network challenge at Movember.com.

These networks create a fun and competitive environment that showcases the collective achievement of the industry while raising awareness and funds for men’s health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity. To date, $175 million has been raised in Canada.

In 2014, BHP Billiton Canada, had 39 members on their Movember team called Average Joes with Awesome Mo’s. Lead by Mo Bro Randy Whitcome, the team has raised over $17,000 and had fun doin’ good with fundraising activities that included direct donations from family and friends and fun challenges.

“My most memorable moment during Movember was hearing some tough Mo Bro’s sharing very personal stories with their co-workers”, said Randy Whitcome, Team Captain, Average Mo’s with Awesome Mo’s. “It made me proud to be part of the team and to have our company rally behind us and the cause.”

This year, the Movember Foundation is adding another way to champion men’s health with the addition of MOVE – a 30-day fitness challenge to promote physical activity. For Mo Sistas, MOVE is a way to do something tangible in the name of men’s health, and for Mo Bros it’s a new challenge. Grow your Mo, MOVE, or take things to the next level and do both.

“It’s exciting that there is going to officially be a new way to participate in Movember this year”, Whitcome said. “I could envision getting back to the gym and taking my family along so we can work-out together.”

Whitcome chose to captain the team because he felt it was important to encourage a fun way to promote men’s health in the mining industry. Movember provides a chance to bring health, humour and camaraderie into the workplace. The moustache is a great conversation starter and a great way to bring the mining industry together.

“Education and awareness on men’s health are very important tools to get men talking about serious issues or worse yet, not taking action,” said Whitcome. “Our spouses, partners and children likely want us guys around, so it is important we raise awareness and reduce any stigma around men’s health and mental health.”

From Movember 1st Mo Bros start clean-shaven and groom their way to a fine moustache. Mo Bros and Mo Sistas can also commit to MOVE with the 30-day fitness challenge. Whitcome says “the main thing is to have fun and do good.”

THE RULES

1. Once registered at Movember.com each Mo Bro must begin the 1st of Movember with a clean-shaven face.
2. Mo Bro’s and Mo Sistas can also commit to the MOVE challenge and MOVE everyday of Movember.
3. For the entire month of Movember each Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache.
4. Don’t fake it. No beards, no goatees, no fake moustaches.
5. Use the power of the moustache to create conversations about men’s health and to raise funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.

Get involved. Sign up at Movember.com today.

The Movember Foundation is a global charity committed to men living happier, healthier, longer lives. Since 2003, millions have joined the men’s health movement, raising $677 million and funding over 1,000 programs focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.

From 30 Mo Bros in 2003 to over 5 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to date, Movember is all about creating positive change for men’s health by raising awareness and educating men year-round, and through our take-over of the month formerly known as November.