Ivan Yeo is having another go at growing a moustache for Movember. It is quite an effort for the Chinese-Malaysian Aucklander, especially since facial hair is not really in his DNA.
"I have to say I tried growing it a couple of years ago and seriously, it wasn't really good. Some Asians don't have facial hair and I'm one of those people who don't. I've got about three stubbles growing. It's not sexy and it's not going to be sexy," he laughs.
Ivan circulated a rather desperate, but funny, appeal through email wondering aloud why Richie McCaw is the top fundraiser while people seem to have forgotten about him.
As you'd imagine, most people found the answer quite obvious. Richie is the All Blacks' captain, has won the Rugby World Cup and has actually managed to grow some hair. Ivan isn't and hasn't.
Still, Ivan would rather not be flailing at the bottom of the Movember list of competitors - at the time of writing he was number 9417 out of 9417 participants.
Ivan, who works for the Mental Health Foundation, is hardly traumatised by it, but he would definitely like to raise a bit more money. He acknowledges he can't compete with Richie. "I have a really lame moustache."
Dedicated to the cause however, Ivan fired off an email, which at least attracted some bids.
"Not bad, at least I have $30 now. Anything helps," he says.
For him, it's not really about the funds but about raising awareness. This year's Movember is for prostate cancer and depression awareness.
He says if people laugh at his moustache, but then talk about men's health, then his goal is met. "Usually, women are more inclined to seek health care when they are not feeling well. Men, across all cultures, are traditionally tough," he says.
Ivan says Asian families, in particular, still see the father in the role of the strong provider. He is the one everybody turns to for help and he does not seek help.
"We are trying to introduce the concept of taking care of their health to the larger Asian community. If they want to be with their families for a long time, then they should take care of their health. Prevention is much better than intervention," he says.
Ivan speaks from the knowledge of having experienced mental health issues before. "I have had years of experience and so I would like to encourage men to seek help if they are not feeling well."
Ivan's colleagues have already raised $2613, $30 of which is his contribution. "It's not really about the money. But, of course, getting people who are happy to donate will be really, really good," he laughs.
Ivan's bare-faced email
"Here's the current state of play: Richie McCaw: National Hero - 1st $3160. Me: Nigel Nobody - 9417th $20 Out of 9417 registrants for Movember - that's what I call priceless.
"How did Richie McCaw raise more than me? Mwahaha. Richie is the No 1 Fundraiser. Check him out here: nz.movember.com/mospace/1729730/ Meanwhile, back in 9417th place, a little Mo waits ... and waits ... and wonders if people have forgotten about me
"Please either give it up for Richie or consider supporting a no-name bro like me. The choice is yours, to give it up for the most popular man in NZ or have a few laughs, mock me and support my mo." nz.movember.com/mospace/1132672
MOVEMBER - THE CAUSE
The drive is to encourage men to take their health more seriously, whether mental or physical.
On average, men die five to six years younger than women.
The suicide rate is four times higher for men than women.
More than five men die prematurely each hour from potentially preventable illnesses.
Keep in touch
Have your say through the Comment box below
Follow The Aucklander on Twitter @aucklander_nz
Like us on Facebook
Email us letters@theaucklander.co.nz