Migrating moustache mines mirth for money
An unusual twist to the Movember movement has helped a Kalgoorlie-Boulder man raise more than $10,000 this year.
For the fifth consecutive year, Gary “Chewy” Austin has shaved a moustache into the back of his head as part of his campaign for men’s health.
A lack of bare skin on his face means Chewy is unable to grow a moustache in the usual fashion when the annual fundraising drive arrives each year.
But with the help of his partner’s sharp skills with the clippers, he has managed to raise thousands of dollars since he started in 2010.
“I’ve had a beard on my head for about 40 years now and I’m not about to shave it off,” Mr Austin said.
“So I thought I’ll just fashion one in the back of my head.
“It came up as a bit of a joke and it’s progressed from there, it gets quite a few laughs and if you get people laughing it creates two things — you’re raising awareness and it makes people feel a bit more generous and put their hands in their pocket.”
After raising about $8200 last year, Mr Austin decided to set a target of $10,000 for 2014.
Speaking to the Kalgoorlie Miner yesterday afternoon, he expected hit $11,000 by this morning.
Mr Austin said he hoped to make the top 15 individual fundraisers across the country.
“I’m very happy with that, we were looking a bit tight there for a while with these uncertain times,” he said.
“But this is the most I’ve ever raised … thanks to all the people who supported the cause.”
