Fighting the good fight once again this year, Nick Halkitis is a clear leader among the individual Movember fundraisers, currently ranked fifth on the world leaderboard. And SBS radio producer Kyriakos Gold is also taking part in his ninth Movember, using his trademark facial hair stylings to raise awareness for men’s health and well-being.
The first time Darwin based businessman Nick Halkitis got involved in the noble initiative was in 2010, when he raised $7500. Since then, he is ranked on an annual basis among the top ten money earners and biggest individual fundraisers for Movember in Australia. This year he managed to raise $35,220 so far, claiming the fifth highest amount in the world raised for the cause.
Individually, Kyriakos Gold has raised in excess of $12,000 over the years for the organisation, not including the funds he raised as part of team efforts.
“We need to carry on all the great work done to date. Men’s health needs to be brought out in to the mainstream and we need to get men talking about it and getting checked regularly,” says Mr Halkitis about what motivates him to take part in Movember.
In ‘Mo space’ – Mr Halkitis’ personal webpage on the Movember website – a record can be found of donations coming from family, friends, colleagues and the Greek community to sponsor his efforts. One can also read the numerous encouraging comments Nick Halkitis receives from supporters helping him to promote men’s health.
Operating as a charity organisation in more than 20 countries today, the Movember campaign started off in Australia in 2003. The idea behind it is simple: Every year during November some men – the so called ‘Mo Bros’ – volunteer to grow a moustache and by this action spread the word of awareness for men’s often ignored health issues and raise funds for research in prostate, testicular cancer and mental health programs.
For donations to Mr Halkitis search for Nick Halkitis on the website and for Mr Gold search for Kyriakos Gold. If you wish to support the Movember foundation visit www.movember.com.au