Movember is more than just a chance to grow out some gnarly facial hair (despite what some men may tell you)– this annual event is intended to raise awareness of men’s health issues including prostate and testicular cancer as well as men’s depression and suicide. By calling attention to some of these matters, the hope is that preventable deaths amongst this demographic will reduce through early cancer detection and treatment, and greater awareness of mental health issues. Canadians have been some of the largest contributors to Movember fundraising efforts in recent years, and Canada is currently poised to be in the top 3 of national fundraisers for 2016. To learn more about Movember, click here, and for information on some of the important work regarding men’s health happening right here at UBC, visit the Men’s Health Research website.

In support of Movember we’ve sought out the best and bushiest of moustaches from Open Collections. Enjoy, and be sure to let us know if you have a favourite!

Two loggers at rest, 1920

Portrait of man with top hat and cane, ca. 1900

Humorous croquet sportswear parody, 1922

Tom Wilson, first settler to discover Lake Louise, 1931

Reverend Chan Yu Tam, one of the first Chinese ministers in Vancouver

Crew aboard a steamship, ca. 1910

Two men on bridge in Japanese Garden at Tete Jaune Road Camp, 1942

Men of a sanitary section cleaning and repairing a well, between 1914 and 1918