MOVEMBER – beards celebrate men’s support for cancer awareness

The Cancer Association of Namibia announced this Friday, 02 December 2016, the close of the MOVEMBER campaign, describing it as a huge success. Paratus Telecom supported the campaign as main sponsor with a very substantial N$100,000 contribution.

For the MOVEMBER campaign, Namibian men were invited not to shave for the whole November, showing their solidarity with and their support for the Cancer Association. Beards and moustaches are used as a visible signal by all men who participated to remind the public of the necessity to support the Cancer Association with this campaign to raise awareness of male cancer.

The Cancer Association said more than N$160,000 was raised, while more than 30 radio, television, print and live talks were conducted during the 3-week campaign to create awareness of men’s health.

Mr Barney Harmse, Chief Executive officer of Paratus Telecom explained that his company decided to join the movement and challenge other corporate entities as there is an urgency to support awareness of and education about men’s health. “The emotional, physical and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis place a heavy burden on such patients and their families” he said.

Ms Sunette Burden was chosen by the Cancer Association of Namibia as the “Campaign Queen” (as opposed to “Bro”) because of her unwavering commitment to support MOVEMBER and the good cause of fighting for men afflicted by cancer.