Movember
Movember Netherlands is all about raising funds and awareness for men's health in a novel (and hairy) way. A number of events are planned throughout the month and 'Movember' comes to a close with a gala party featuring DJs, burlesque and awards for the best moustaches!
Ideas into Mo-tion
The idea? Begin clean-shaven on 1 November and let your mo grow for the entire month of Movember, raising money along the way through sponsorship from friends, family and workmates. The cash raised by the efforts of mo-growers around the world helps to fund research into men's health issues, particularly into cancers that affect men.
The Mo-tive
For 20 years, we've familiarised the red and pink ribbons with Aids/HIV and breast cancer awareness respectively. Now thanks to Movember, we can associate the hairy facial ribbon - the moustache - with men's health and in particular prostate cancer, the most diagnosed male cancer in western society.
The month-long international campaign 'Movember: the month formerly known as November' was started back in 2003 by a bunch of mates from Melbourne, Australia who wanted to build a dialogue about the taboo subject of prostate cancer and men's health.
The fun angle was a success and Movember quickly gained mo-mentum, spreading around the globe. 3,312 Mo Bro's got involved with Movember Netherlandsin 2011, raising an impressive 300,000 euros.
Movember 2011 events
The gradual appearance of more moustaches on the Amsterdam streets is a sure sign that Movember is in full swing. Want to get involved? Below is a summary of the main events in the 2011 Movember calendar to give you an idea of what to expect.
The Mo Space
The Mo Space was Movember’s pop-up headquarters on the first floor of the Magna Plaza shopping centre. It offered information to prospective Mo Bros and Sistas and was there for the entire campaign to provide a trimming service, Mo accessories and fundraising tips & tricks.
The Shavedown - 1 November
1 November was the big day when thousands of men began their Mo quest. They either shaved at home or headed to the Mo Space for their final embrace with a razor.
Film screenings
Amsterdam’s Kriterion Cinema got in the Movember spirit by screening four modern classics in which the moustache clearly won the best supporting actor award: There Will Be Blood, The Great Dictator, ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ and Birdcage. Part of the proceeds were donated directly to Movember.
Movember Auction
With all proceeds destined for prostate cancer research, bids at this auction were being constantly upped! Comedian Howard Komproe put on a show to remember as the celebrity auctioneer for the Movember Auction.
Held at the Magna Plaza in Amsterdam, a whole host of goodies were up for grabs including works of art, serenades from opera singers and items donated by celebrity Movember ambassadors.
Football tournament
In an ode to the numerous moustachioed heroes of the 1988 European Cup-winning Dutch national football team, Movember introduced their very own football tournament. And of course, a mo was obligatory for those wanting to join in and attempt to get their hands on the cup!
Movember Gala ‘Parté’
Movember reached its traditional climax at the unmissable Gala ‘Parté’ at the end of the month. In 2011, it was held at the Kompaszaal in Amsterdam, with dinner being served followed by a party to remember. Mo Bros and Sistas got their chance to shine during the Catwalk Competition, there were awards for the best moustaches and Mo Ambassador DJ Joost van Bellen made a special appearance behind the decks.
For more information visit the Movember website or check out the Movember Netherlands Facebook page.
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