Loyalist grows good mo’s

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

By Megan Mattice

The results are in for this years Movember campaign, and Loyalist did its part in raising awareness for a good cause.

Each year on the first of November, men across the world shave their faces only to grow back a moustache, thick and strong, to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer by taking part in the Movember Campaign.

Women also share their support by wearing fake moustaches.

This was the first year Loyalist College created a joint team, made up of 75 men and women, including all the programs in the college.

Cory Mestre, the college’s fitness centre coordinator, headed up team Moustache to bring the college community together for a good cause.

“This was our first year doing this, so, we just wanted to see how well it would be received and use it as a community building tool as well as focussing on awareness,” said Mestre.

Mestre and staff member Amy Hoskin signed up 50 men and 25 women from the Loyalist community.

Mestre said that part of the reason prostate cancer needs to be talked about is because of the taboo that surrounds the procedure of how men get checked.

“Its’ one of those things that things that guys have to get themselves past. It’s not a big deal at all. It’s a simple part of a physical,” said Mestre.

Their efforts to raise awareness earned a total of $300.

Aaron Lorenz, a second year in Loyalist’s Social Service Work program, agrees with Mestre about the importance of the cause.

“I choose to participate because a co worker at placement was doing it again this year and was looking for members for the team. It sounded like a fun thing to do that I knew would get some laughs,” said Lorenz.

Lorenz says the fact that the proceeds this year will go to both prostate cancer research and mental health awareness was the main reason for participating.

“It’s something I’m very passionate about. Societies dialogue around mental health and mental illness has really increased in the relatively short past, but there’s still along way to go. The most important thing people can do is continue to be open and honest about it in order to break down the stigmas and biases that society still has revolving around mental health issues. ” He explains.

Lorenz didn’t participate with the school.