About Movember

What

• Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the Mo which highlights men's health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.

• Mo Bros (men who grow a Mo), supported by the Mo Sistas (women who love a Mo) in their life, register at Movember.com and then start Movember 1st with a clean-shaven face. They have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache.

• The idea for Movember was conceived in Melbourne by a few mates over a beer in 2003. There were 30 Mo Bros in the first year and in 2010 there were over 130,000 Mo Bros and Sistas in Australia alone.
  

• In Australia, Movember raises awareness and funds for The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australian and beyondblue- the national depression initiative.

Where

• Movember originated in Australia in 2003 but due to its success has grown globally and now takes place in five further countries - New Zealand, US, Canada, UK and Ireland. In 2010, over 130,000 Australian Mo Bros and Sistas got on board, raising $25 Million AUD
  

• There are plans for further expansion in the future.

When

• Movember takes place during the month of November - it runs from November 1st - 30th each year.

• 2011 will be Movember's eighth consecutive year in Australia.

Why

• Because the genuine risk prostate cancer and depression offer up need to be recognized:

• Each year in Australia, 1 in 11 men will develop prostate cancer before they are 70 and close to 3,000 men will die.

• In Australia, 1 in 8 men will experience depression in their lifetime - most of whom will not seek help.

• Very big steps have been taken towards changing attitudes and habits relating to men's health but there is still much to be done to catch up with the women's health movement.

• Via the Mo, Movember aims to provoke conversation around men's health, with a view to breaking down traditional taboos and habits.

How

Take part by going online at www.movember.com and registering as a Mo Bros or Mo Sista

• Take part as an individual

• Be a team captain and recruit a team of Mo Bros & Sistas

• Join an existing team

At the end of Movember, a series of Gala Partés are held across Australia (and the world). They are to thank Mo Bros and Sistas for their remarkable fundraising efforts during the month. Mo Bros (dressed to suit their Mo) and Mo Sistas (dressed to suit their Mo Bro) come together to celebrate the Mo and compete for a number of category titles.

• Ticket information - online or call 1300 4769 66

• A ticket costs $33

• If you raise $100 then you will receive a free ticket and a second free ticket if you raise $200

• Gala Partés are held:

Those living outside of Gala cities host Mo Parties with their colleagues, club members or friends host their own event to celebrate their Mo-growing!

Movember Press Office contact:

For further information, photography, interviews and anything you need to know about Movember, please call:

Juliette Barnes on Juliette@movember.com or

0420 845048 or 1300 GROW MO (1300 4769 66)