Movember: Five Ways To Support In Ireland
Still calling the eleventh month of the year November? If so, you’re way behind the curve – it’s known as Movember in Ireland these days! Movember is a phenomenon that encourages men to grow a moustache and ask their friends and family to sponsor them for a charity that supports men and male specific issues. If you can grow a ‘tache you can get involved, and even if you can’t why not get involved by taking on another challenge such as shaving your head for a worthy cause. Read on to find out more.
What is Movember?
Movember in Ireland sees men – or ‘mo bros’ – grow and groom moustaches throughout November to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues, including testicular cancer, prostate cancer and suicide prevention.
On average, men die six years earlier than women, largely for preventable reasons, and Movember was created to help address and raise awareness of the issue. The idea was born in a Melbourne pub in 2003, when mates Travis Garone and Luke Slattery decided to bring back the tash for a good cause. Movember is now a registered charity and a global annual event, with more than five million people taking part to date.
Since its birth, Movember has funded over 1,250 men’s health projects. By 2030, it aims to have reduced the number of men dying prematurely by 25%. In short, it’s a darn good cause to get behind!
How to get involved with Movember
While the traditional fundraising approach is to grow a moustache, if you are someone who struggles to grow a mo’, don’t panic! There are a myriad of ways to get involved. You could take on a different type of challenge – some people brave the shave and cut off all their hair, others take on a more physical challenge, for example a skydive. If you don’t fancy jumping out of a plane or losing your hair, you could try something less physical such as giving up alcohol for the month of November. But if you can grow a ‘tache, it really couldn’t be easier to raise a few bob for charity. Put down that razor and let your facial hair grow freely!
Movember fundraising ideas
So, you are ready to grow your mo’ and raise funds for a good cause. Here are a few fundraising ideas to get your fundraiser off the ground.
- Do it as a team: Movember is all about supporting men and the issues that affect them. So why not get your pals involved and fundraise as a team. You are likely to raise a lot more and you can support each other along the way.
- Host an event to showcase your mo’, encourage donations and let people know about the charity you are fundraising for.
- Get your colleagues involved. Why not start a competition at work of who can grow the best ‘tache. The competition will spur you and your work mates on and it will liven up the office. No more clock watching!
1. Mo-themed movie night
Everybody loves a Big Night In! There are tons of movies featuring characters with impressive tashes (Ron Burgundy in Anchorman or Ben Stiller in Dodgeball, anybody?) so come up with a shortlist, put it to a group of friends and choose a winner. If you can’t meet up and share popcorn, give the Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) app a whirl and sync your movie night from the comfort of your own sofa. If everyone donates the cost of a cinema ticket to your GoFundMe fundraiser, you’ll soon rack up donations, especially if you make it a weekly affair.
2. 60 for 60
Sixty men die from suicide every hour worldwide – that’s one man every minute. Let that shocking stat sink in, then use it as inspiration to run, walk or cycle 60km throughout November in return for donations to your Movember fundraiser, so that other men will get the mental health support they need. Why not team up with some friends and help keep each other motivated with races and fancy dress runs?
3. Beers for bros
Movember began over some beers, making a booze-themed fundraiser totally on brand – hurrah! Gather a group of family and friends (moustachioed if possible – the women can wear fakes!) and host a virtual pub quiz. It’s crying out for a ‘match the moustache to the celebrity’ picture round and another on men’s health. Point participants in the direction of your GoFundMe fundraiser, where they can donate the usual €5 entry cost and the price of a few beers. Post a themed prize to the winner, like this novelty moustache mug.
4. Mo at your mercy
This one’s fun but simple. Set up your GoFundMe fundraiser, explain why you’re fundraising for Movember and promise donors that whoever gives the most each week will get to choose how you style your tash for the next seven days. Nothing should be off the table, even dying it lime green! Share Movember’s moustache style guide to give your pals some evil inspiration and be sure to post regular photos to give everybody a laugh!
5. Bike in style
Movember is in charge of investing funds raised by the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, an annual event that sees thousands of men (and women!) dress dapper, grab a vintage motorbike and ride together in the name of men’s health. DGR usually takes place in May, but you could adapt the idea for November. No motorbike? No problem! Good old bicycles will work just as well. Try committing to cycling around your local park or town once a day, dressed in all your finery. You’ll certainly attract attention, but attention sparks conversations – and donations!
6. Join the Movember Business Club
Provide approx 50-100 words about the Movember Business Club e.g. what it is, who it’s for, how to join etc.
The Movember Business Club (MBC) is a way to engage businesses and encourage them to get their teams to raise money for charities during the month of November.
Corporations can encourage their offices up and down the country to take part in the challenge and compete with each other in order to maximise the amount they can raise for charity. They usually do this as part of their philanthropic endeavours.
Be inspired by these Movember fundraisers
Are you considering getting involved this Movember? Here are a few amazing people who have taken on the challenge in previous years to provide you with some inspiration.
Grow a Mo for Joe
GAA team Mungret St. Pauls in Limerick raised more than 8,000 for a local hospice who cared for a beloved GAA man who sadly died.
Mo’s Bros in aid of Crocus Monaghan
In May 2022, Marie McQuaid (Mo – Proprietor of Mo’s Hairdressing) was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
Some of her closest family and friends took on the Movember challenge to help raise funds for Crocus Monaghan Cancer Support Centre.
Abbeyside Camogie Club & Family Carers Ireland
Daniel Milne did Movember with a twist to raise funds in memory for two local charities. As he proudly rocks a ‘tache all year round he opted to dye it pink to the month of Movember instead to raise funds for Abbeyside Camogie Club and the Family Carers Ireland.
Ready to make a difference this Movember?
GoFundMe makes Movember fundraising quick and easy. Setting up a fundraiser takes five minutes, if that, and our blog is jam-packed with tried and tested fundraising hacks to try. Don’t forget to share your GoFundMe far and wide on social media, and remember – whatever you grow, will save a bro!