This Movember, things are getting a bit hairy in Jasper – on many men’s upper lips, that is.

The men’s health fund-raising campaign is back and this year could be the best one yet, with businesses all over town getting involved. 

One of the lead co-ordinators of the Jasper cause, Ryan Chilibeck, said it’s important that men are aware of health issues, and that they get tested for prostate cancer. 

“It’s a way to celebrate and break down the barrier,” Chilibeck said.

He decided to get involved after a few friends he went to high school with in Edmonton began organizing events in the city. Chilibeck then moved to Jasper, where Movember was sparsely celebrated.

“I decided to kind of start the parties,” he said.

Chilibeck also gets involved with Movember in memory of his grandfather, who passed away after a battle with cancer. This is his fifth year being involved, and his second in Jasper.

“Aside from my indefinite passion for looking stupid and pushing my (very patient and accommodating) girlfriend’s buttons, I take part for the simple reason that cancer has had, and continues to have, a large impact on my life,” he said. “Above all that, growing a moustache is a lot easier than walking 60 kilometres like the Breast Cancer Research fundraisers do on an annual basis – although pink does look fabulous on me.”

Chilibeck said the movement has grown from the odd Mo here and there, to tons of the furry lips being sported all over town.

“If you just look around Jasper, everyone’s got a moustache now,” he said. “You definitely see some more people doing it.”

The Mo movement has spread to the high school, it can be seen on Jasper’s Emergency Services personnel, and at many restaurants and pubs. 

“In Canada it’s getting huge,” Chilibeck said. 

This year Canada surpassed Australia as the number one nation for fund-raising. The movement started in Australia. Chilibeck said it is a huge accomplishment. 

While it is encouraged to sign up at www.movember.org, some people get a group together and pitch in their share under one name. 

Donation boxes have popped up around town, and donations can be made at a number of salons, some are even offering free Mo styling with a haircut, and restaurants. 

“As we set forth in our fund-raising efforts, our goal of raising money and awareness for men’s health collectively weighs heavily on our upper lips,” Chilibeck said.

On Nov. 25, the Jasper Brew Pub will be holding an end of the month Movember party, where Mo Bros are encouraged to come dressed up to suit their ‘stache. Prizes for the best costume and the Man of Movember will be awarded.