Movember began as a joke in 2003 among some friends in Melbourne, Australia to bring the moustache back in fashion. For the month of November participants, called Mo’s, would be sponsored to grow a moustache. It proved so popular, that as a result the Movember Foundation was created and since 2003 has raised huge amounts of money, with funds going towards four key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and – new for this year – physical inactivity. Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of cancer and many other diseases, and this year’s campaign is committed to raising awareness on the dangers of physical inactivity.
While most men (and some women) across the world will be growing a moustache and doing sponsored exercise during November, the main campaign here in Beijing will be done a little differently. You can still grow a ‘tache but it’s more about getting yourself along to various fundraising events and making a donation. Last year the Maovember campaign raised enough money to fund 131 cataract surgeries for men in rural China. There is a dearth of men’s charities in China, so for the team behind Maovember, it made sense to once again back Orbis for their 2015 campaign.
If you’re ready to take up the challenge, then put that razor down today. To keep you motivated and to keep the donations for Orbis coming in, here are just a few of the events planned for Maovember 2015:
November 8
The official launch of Pop-Up’s bar will double as a Maovember fundraiser.
November 11
One of the top three fundraisers last year, Paddy O’Shea’s is back with a charity quiz.
November 14
Find a partner, pay your team fee, get yourself to Irish Volunteer and try your luck at tossing beanbags into a hole in a board about 50 feet away.
November 18
Last year Q-Mex had a charity quiz, a raffle, and billiards competition, so expect some of the same shenanigans this year.
November 21
Jing-A Taproom will be putting their usual creative touches on this year’s Maovember activities.
November 25
Bungalow will bring you tiki drink specials, a limbo contest, and a Magnum P.I. themed “best ‘tache ever”.
November 28
Home Plate Barbecue will host a Mr. Maovember contest.
December 01
This year’s campaign will be brought to an end at Paddy O’Shea’s.
beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.
Photos: Phil Long, Gerardo Obieta (Flickr)
