How Movember Has Changed The Face Of Fundraising
We bet you’ve heard of Movember, but do you really know the purpose behind this extraordinary seasonal campaign?
How did the charity start? And where does the money go that’s raised?
In our new weekly blog series we will evaluate the most successful, social media, charity campaigns – pinpointing success and reviewing activity.
This week we’re delving into Movember and exploring how it has changed the face of men’s health.
If you want to find out the truth behind the moustache, then carry on reading.
- What Is Movember?
Many people associate November being the month where men grow out their beard and moustache – but many don’t actually know the reasons behind it.
Movember is a time in the year which needs to be published on every calendar.
The charity started back in 2003 when two friends, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery met up to discuss bringing back the moustache trend but little did they know that this was the beginning of much, much more.
Its initial challenge was to bring back the trend of having a moustache. The pair set people the challenge of growing their facial hair throughout the month of November.
But in 2004, following huge global success, the duo decided to create a website and turn this movement into a fundraiser for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
From there on, the charity grew phenomenally through the use of social media and has used the power of the moustache to support and raise awareness of men’s health.
- What Is The Purpose Of The Campaign?
So, you’ve grown your mustache, raised some money but where is it all going?
Movember uses its fundraising to support innovative world-class men’s health projects with the key focus areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
With a whopping 1,250+ health programs in over 20 countries, this yearly campaign helps men live happier, healthier and longer lives.
Projects Movember supports through it’s fundraising include: Prostate Cancer Research Alliance, Man Enough, TrueNTH Testicular Cancer and many more.
- Why We’re Featuring This Charity
Every charity, no matter how big or small, is creating change for the greater good.
Many people have heard of Movember, but we wanted to share with you what is behind this innovatively coined word.
In 2019 online, Movember raised an outstanding £64.2 million* through campaigns such as Growing Mo’s, Moving for men’s health and Hosting Mo-ments – an amazing achievement which needs to be celebrated.
On average, men are dying six years earlier than women, and for the most part this is down to preventable reasons.
Men’s health is in crisis and this needs to change.
Donate to your mate who is suffering with that annoying itchy beard and let’s celebrate what Movember has done so far and the outstanding change they are yet to make.
Let’s talk about Movember and spread the word with the power of social media.
- Social Media Highlights
The main reason for the charity’s success has been through the power of social media and marketing.
From then vs now, as shown below, Movember has expanded its awareness and credibility both online and offline.
Image credit: Instagram @movember.
Social media users are encouraged to posts selfies of their ever growing moustaches with hashtags #movember and #mobros.
Image credit: Instagram @movember.
The charity also starts conversations about the pressing issues associated with men’s health, featuring the hashtag #movemberconversations, to educate and inform the public.
Image credit: Instagram @movember.
Not only this, but people who have battled with their health, from cancer to depression open up about their experiences and tell their story.
The campaign has seen huge support from celebrities to further spread the awareness of men’s health. From the likes of athlete, Kearnan Myall to pop icon Tommy Chong. They open up about struggles they have had with their health, and make it okay to have these conversations.
Image credit: Instagram @movember.
Social media has enabled Movember to have these conversations whilst simultaneously spreading awareness of men’s health.
Are you taking part in Movember?
Sources:*https://uk.movember.com/about/money