Article appeared in the Dec. 1, 2011 issue of the Interlake Spectator…
James and Kelly Bezan
“Movembers” are one of those man-things that has captured the enthusiasm of many members of that gender, including local politicians who, if anyone has noticed, might have looked a little fuzzier last month.
The reason for the sprouting of man-carpets on their upper lips, which have been named “Movembers”, (not to be confused with the “Rugs” sported by some men upon their heads), is to raise awareness about men’s health, particularly awareness about Prostate Cancer.
During November each year, men, or “Mo Bros”, across the globe grow moustaches in order to raise awareness and funds. On “Movember” 1st, they register at Movember.com with a clean-shaven face. For the rest of the month, they coddle, nurture and cajole their facial hair to become things of great beauty.
“Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through their actions and words, they raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health,” states the Movember website.
This year some member of the NDPs, Liberals and Progressive Conservatives signed up to create Movember politicians’ teams, which they did to honour of the late Jack Layton who had battled prostate cancer shortly before his death this year.
The NDPs named their team the “New De-mo-crats”, the Conservatives called theirs, the “Strong Conservative Mo-jority” and the Liberals called their team, the “Li-Bros”.
Selkirk-Interlake MP, James Bezan, was one of the local politicians who grew a Movember this year. His grandfather battled, and overcame, prostate cancer. Bezan was eager to take part and help raise awareness.
“So many men don’t want to get their prostates checked. Prostate cancer is the number one cancer killer of men. It is so easy to treat,” said Bezan.
He planned to shave off his Movember on Dec. 1, much to the delight of his wife, Kelly.
Gimli MLA, Peter Bjornson also sported a Movember up until Remembrance Day, when he shaved it off in order to look his best. He later resumed the Movember-growing endeavour, but during a trade mission to Mexico last week, heat forced him to bring out the razor once again.
Next year Bjornson plans to give it another try and wants to set a personal fund-raising target.
“I’ll stay the course next year,” Bjornson promised.
Canada led the fundraising effort this year by raising $27, 939,704. Worldwide, $74,574,874 has been raised. In 2010, nearly 119,000 Canadians took part and raised $22.3 million.
The funds raised support awareness and research programs run directly by Movember and their partner, Prostate Cancer Canada.
