Whether a person could grow a beard, mustache or nothing, No Shave November is an event that everyone can participate in. People are encouraged to donate money throughout the month in order to prevent prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide. English teacher Tom Collins has gotten West Essex involved with the Movember cause.

“I wanted to find a charitable cause to support,” Mr. Collins said. “I didn’t start this fund because I thought growing a beard would be fun; it was meant to raise awareness for men’s health issues.”
According to the Movember Foundation, over the past 13 years they have funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around
the world.

“Some family members of mine had a history with prostate cancer, so I wanted to start the fundraiser in hopes of finding a cure for this disease,” Mr. Collins said.

However, some of the people who choose to grow their facial hair during November don’t actually participate in the event. Senior Ben Ruvo is known for his grown out facial hair, but he was not as an active contributor to the Movember foundation.

“I like to take pictures of my beard over time and see the growth progress,” Ruvo said. “I didn’t donate money to the foundation this year, but I might participate
next year.”

“I have been growing my beard since the beginning of the year, so it wasn’t meant for No Shave November,” senior Luke Garcia said. “Ever since I let it grow, our football team has outperformed the competition. Must be
good luck.”

Even though not everyone chooses to contribute to the Movember cause, there are still plenty of supporters from the school. P.E. teacher Ryan Logan and English teacher Aaron Myerson have donated to the foundation. Around 25 students from different classes pitched in. Mr. Collins explained how they can be rewarded for
their efforts.“The class that raises the most money can choose how I shave off my own beard,” he said.

“We then take picture with the administration afterwards with everyone who participated and felt mustaches are sold at the end of November.”

By the year 2030, the Movember Foundation hopes to have reduced the number of men dying early by close to 25 percent. Mr. Collins made it clear that West Essex will continue to raise money in helping the organization reach this goal.

“I and the rest of the West Essex community will continue to raise awareness for men’s health problems and continue to show that the event has purpose, and it’s not just an excuse to grow out your facial hair,” Mr. Collins said.