This month, I am trying something new by growing a moustache for the first time. Just like the former military men who still wear a close cropped haircut, I have never felt comfortable growing a beard after spending nearly a decade working at the Happiest Place on Earth.
What’s the special occasion? A little thing called Movember. Much like wearing pink to support breast cancer awareness, in November men have begun to grow moustaches (mo’s) to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives.
Most of the guys in my office are taking part in Movember, which was reason enough to join the club. And in this case, I literally don’t have to do anything to show support. The moustache grows without any effort. I simply have to resist the urge to get rid of it.
Growing a moustache might not seem like a big deal, but in 2000 it made headlines when Disneyland lifted its ban on employee facial hair. The company made the concession to allow employees to have neatly groomed moustaches, much like Walt Disney himself wore.
Earlier this year, Disneyland loosened policies even further by allowing employees to grow beards. And again, the decision to allow facial hair made headlines because the clean shaven look was so synonymous with the traditional Disney look.
I doubt that wearing a moustache for one month with change my preference for being clean shaven. But I am happy to show my solidarity with my coworkers and support for a worthy cause.
I heard that someone that went to my little High School in Saskatchewan raised more money for this fund raiser than anyone else in the world!
Evelyn
Collectively, everyone in my office raised about $450. But I was more impressed with those who were able to wear a moustache the entire month. I went crazy and shaved mine off with about a week to go.