Today spells the start of November and for many men the start of their quest to grow a moustache. For those of you who have missed it, Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer and other male cancers, and associated charities.

This is a great cause and it is great to see all of the moustaches around during this month.

One thing that has bothered me over the last couple of years is an increasing occurrence though of men growing moustaches in this month for reasons other than charity. Whether it is because they feel it is more acceptable in this month or because they are wannabe hipsters, of late when I have asked fellows seemingly participating in the events of Movember I have oft been surprised to learn that they are not signed up as part of the charity efforts of the month.

Some may consider me to be irrational in this view but seeing this happen irritates me. The idealogy of Movember is to raise awareness of and funds for men health issues and to me growing a moustache but not participating in the actual charity element of Movember makes a mockery of it.

So gents I simply say please grow your mo’s for the right reasons: get involved in the charity and raise some money! If you are doing it for other reasons this month take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror and then shave that top lip!

PS: For the record I am not participating in Movember but will be donating as heavily as I can. If you are not participating as well I implore you to donate.