It’s halfway through November in Gold Coast City, which means the caterpillar on the upper lip of many of our Robina men is beginning to transform into a handlebar mo-masterpiece.

Movember is a global health movement that aims to change the face of men’s health, raising awareness about mental health issues, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

The charity began with 30 Mo Bros in 2003, growing to 1.1 million moustached participants last year and raising $141.5 million.

Using their upper lips as billboards for men’s health, Bond University students are on a mission to make Robina hairy for a good cause.

Birdcage Foundation, named after the nickname of their on-campus accommodation, is a team of seven Bondies who have collectively raised $1,945 for men’s health so far.

Birdcage Foundation captain James Kristenson said he was inspired to get involved in fundraising out of his own experience with depression.

“I’ve been personally affected by depression and the way it makes you feel and affects your life is something that is almost impossible to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it themselves, so creating awareness of it is something that is really important to me,” he said.

“We decided that doing it would be a great way to be active in a charity, create awareness for issues that will definitely affect every single one of us, and have a bit of fun doing so.”

Another team, The Stash Bash, is holding two events this month to raise money for the charity and to raise awareness for the fight against prostate cancer.

On Wednesday 20th November they are holding a bake sale at Bond, selling Mo-decorated cupcakes, and fake moustaches for those of us not lucky enough to be able to grow a moustache.

A barber will be donating his services to style all Mos to their full potential.

The final event of the month is The Stash Bash, which will be held at Hotel CBD on Tuesday 26th November from 8pm.

Event organiser Holly Naughton said The Stash Bash will be a night of celebration of a month of hairy work, complete with a raffle and prizes.

“We will have prizes for the top three gentlemen who bring in the highest amount of donations,” she said.

You can follow the Birdcage Foundation’s progress here, and The Stash Bash here.

To donate visit movember.com. You can follow Movember on Facebook and Twitter.

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