Are you pro mo's?

As you may have heard – or seen in line at the grocery store, on public transit and just about everywhere you turn – it’s officially Movember. That’s right, facial hair is de rigeur once again, and, boy, are the boys getting into it this year.

There was hardly a clean-shaven face to be seen on my commute home last night. Even the most typically clean-cut men in suits were sporting some stubble. This is good news for Movember Canada, part of a global movement aiming to raise awareness – and cash – for men’s health initiatives. In Canada most of the proceeds go to Prostate Cancer Canada, which promotes education, awareness and research for the number one men’s cancer.

Now, I’ll be honest. I wasn’t super-excited about this initiative last year. I got sick of seeing overgrown and unruly facial hair on my friends, colleagues and strangers on the street. By week three, some of the huskier gentlemen I was crossing paths with were looking like they should be living in a cabin in the woods. And by month’s end I was having Cast Away flashbacks. But, I’m going to chalk my formerly poor attitude towards ‘stashes up to a lack of personal investment in the cause.

Fast-forward 12 months, and I have a bit of a different perspective on things. My husband’s uncle was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, and I’ve seen how worried the entire family is about his condition. Now that the issue has hit so close to home I’m completely pro-mo’s. My husband, who usually sports a layer of well-groomed scruff, has vowed to let things get a little woollier this month to show his support, and we’ll be rustling up some donations for Movember in honour of Uncle Don. (And here's a fun way for kids to get involved, courtesy of Bunchland.com: Mini Movember!)

Now the only question is: Handlebar or Burt Reynolds?