It’s that time of the year again, when men grow moustaches and most of the time, that is about all that happens. Most of the people I’ve asked don’t really know what Movember is all about and the aim of growing that mo.

On the official Movember website, it states that “Movember is about bringing back the moustache (Mo), having fun and doing good to change the face of men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Mo Bros take action by changing their appearance through the growth of a new moustache for the 30 days of Movember, and in doing so become walking, talking billboards for men’s health. Mo Sistas sign up and commit to supporting the men in their lives while helping to promote men’s health at home, in the workplace and within their community.”

This year, you can also show your support for the cause by purchasing a Movember Relate bracelet. The new Mo Sista bracelet is made of vibrant tangerine beads and the Mo Bro bracelet is made of dark coconut beads. Both carry the trademark “R” pewter bead that is the organisation’s stamp of transparency. The closing of the bracelets is in the shape of a moustache and proceeds from the sales of the bracelets will go towards Movember’s survivorship and research programmes implemented and managed by the organisation’s South African Men’s Health Partner, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

“Every year Movember has a new theme.  This year’s theme, Made in Movember, is all about local and handmade products – and of course moustaches – favouring the authentic over the mass produced,” says Garron Gsell, Country Manager of Movember South Africa.

“I can’t think of a better suited product to promote Movember than the Relate bracelets which are hand crafted and make a difference in the lives of the people that produce them. Not only will Mo Bros and Mo Sistas be helping the Movember cause, they will be supporting worthy and successful social development,” adds Gsell.

Relate is a 100% not-for-profit social enterprise with a uniquely sustainable business model which ensures that approximately one third of bracelet proceeds will be donated to Movember, one third providing earning opportunities and skills training for local bracelet-makers and supporting local enterprise development initiatives, and one third covering material and running costs.

So wear your heart on your sleeve and your Mo on your face and your wrist this Movember. It’s a 100% good idea for 100% excellent causes.

Movember bracelets are available at selected Woolworths stores nationwide.

To sign up for Movember, or to find out more about the campaign, visit www.movember.com. For more information on Relate cause bracelets, visit www.relate.org.za.