Isuzu is getting behind the Movember Foundation’s drive for greater awareness of the crisis in men’s health, particularly testicular and prostate cancer and suicide prevention.
Isuzu has put the Foundation behind the wheel of three specially branded double cab bakkies for the duration of their campaign, ensuring impactful mobile awareness of the fund-raising initiative. The vehicles are covering the country to spread the Movember word at various high profile events.
The Movember Foundation funds over 1 200 men’s health projects in 21 countries worldwide. Garron Gsell, chief executive and founder of the Men’s Foundation, which manages the local Movember campaign, said it was powerful to have Isuzu backing South African men.
“It’s great that Isuzu is gearing up to “be the difference” to stop men dying too young. In South Africa, prostate is the second leading cause of cancer death and, on average, 18 men take their own lives each day in South Africa – the eighth highest rate globally,” Gsell said.
“It’s critical that we start the conversations, get ourselves tested and become more physically active. For 30 days in November, ‘Mo Bros’ and ‘Mo Sistas’ will be rallying to raise funds and awareness for the issues surrounding men’s health.”
To date, Movember has raised over R6-billion worldwide to deliver innovative research and support programmes for happier, healthier and longer male lives. Since 2010, over R25-million has been donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa through local efforts.
Tim Hendon, Isuzu Marketing Manager, said the awareness campaign is in line with the brand’s ethos which demonstrates reliability and care. “We all have the tendency to take our vehicles for its service when we completed certain mileage. In the same way, we encourage men to take care of their own health. Real men go for check-ups,” said Hendon.
Back at the plant in Port Elizabeth, where Isuzu vehicles are built, awareness programmes encourage regular medical check-ups for early detection and prevention. “We are all affected by cancer and by mental health issues, however, Isuzu’s support for Movember can help to extend awareness beyond our own employees,” Hendon said.
“We are encouraging all our employees, customers and friends to sign up at www.movember.com and to follow the hairy activities on social media: facebook/MovemberSouthAfrica.”
