With the theme, 'changing the face of men's health', Movember is an annual event that involves growing a moustache during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues. This is in support of awareness and healthcare research for prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention, in particular.
Since its creation in 2003, thanks to two Australians (Travis Garone and Luke Slattery), who decided to grow a moustache in order to promote this cause, the Movember Foundation has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world. This challenges the status quo, revolutionises men’s health research and transforms the way health services reach and support men.
Movember momentum at Medline
With the goal of increasing awareness of men's health issues, Medline helps contribute to the momentum behind ‘Movember’ and the Movember Foundation. During the month of November, Medline Europe provides an opportunity for volunteers to grow a moustache and raise awareness for the cause. In November 2020, during the first staging of our campaign, 58 Medline employees participated, providing photographic evidence of their moustaches. Medline employees were encouraged to vote on the best moustaches, as a way to broaden awareness and facilitate engagement. Through this exercise, Medline was able to sponsor €10 per participant, resulting in a total donation of €580 to the charity, Movember Europe.
Why is it important for Medline’s employees to support Movember?
Several employees across Medline Europe are growing their moustaches over this month to raise awareness about men’s health issues. Find out below why they think this is a necessary gesture:
‘This (any of the above-mentioned illnesses) can happen to anybody, anytime. You don’t see it coming. I lost my brother 10 years ago and still think about him every day. Awareness and getting support is key—wear a MO to save a BRO!’
Vincent Tesnier, Senior Purchasing Manager
‘I support this cause to raise awareness about men's health issues related to prostate cancer and depression, and mostly to try to get a smile out of this serious topic.’
Filmon Kidane, Sales Logistic Manager
‘Prostate and testicular cancer, as well as men’s mental health and suicide are serious issues that don’t usually get much attention. Movember is a light-hearted way to raise awareness for these issues, and a fun way to support a good cause—even if it means looking silly for a few weeks!’
Steve Tedder, Senior Sales Logistic Manager
‘On average, a man with a moustache touches it 760 times per day. Let’s hope that our moustaches remind people about prevention this many times per day too!’
Giordano Maturilli, Sales and Marketing Director at Medline Italy
‘Movember is a great initiative to elevate awareness of men’s health and show solidarity and support to those who are going through tough times.’
Andrew Poga, Director Personal Care and Textiles, Europe
‘I don’t particularly enjoy having facial hair but I let it grow at this time as a way to highlight the intersections of health and race. While general men’s health gets an insufficient amount of attention, even less recognised are the impacts of certain conditions on men of colour. For example, one in four black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime and there is a one-in-eight risk level. And too many avoid getting the necessary health checks done.’
Yohan Lee, English Copy Editor and Copy Writer
Medline Europe values and supports local communities in countries where we operate and conduct sales. We give back through a combination of our breast cancer awareness campaign, cash donations and sponsorships. These sponsorships are in line with our goal to support local community initiatives that promote physical and mental health and general well-being, such as the ‘Movember’ initiative.
If you want to know more about our cancer awareness activities and our corporate social responsibility programme, you can visit our website and download the Medline 2021 Sustainability Report.
Paula Dalmau
Communications Coordinator Sales and Marketing, Medline Iberia
Paula is a passionate Spanish writer based in Madrid. Her interests are well-being, emotional intelligence and business topics. Her educational background is in journalism, advertising, public relations and digital marketing. Learn more on LinkedIn.
2 March 2022
