Bombers ruckman Sam Draper has joined the fight to raise awareness for men’s health by starting his own Movember campaign.
The 22-year-old has shaved off his moustache and raised an already impressive figure of $1065, all of which will be used to fund men’s health projects.
Movember is a campaign which encourages people to shave off their mo’ and grow it back in the month of November to raise awareness and donations for a variety of mental and physical health projects aimed at preventing the premature death of men.
Reflecting on his decision to start a Movember campaign, Draper said he wanted men to realise it’s OK to reach out for help, especially in a year which has tested many people mentally.
“I wanted to break down the stigmas surrounding men’s mental health, because it’s not tough to bottle everything up,” Draper said.
“2020 has been a tough year for many, and there’s been so much anxiety and uncertainty surrounding everything this year for a lot of people.
“Us men still have a long way to go in this area and that’s why I want to spread as much awareness as possible, because it’s OK to put your hand up when you’re struggling.”
Well it’s that time of year again and men’s health is still as important as ever. So again I’ll be shaving off my precious moustache in hope of raising funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. https://t.co/GTAHC1vjzT
— Sam Draper (@SamDraper38) November 1, 2020
With Draper’s goal of raising $2000 over the halfway mark already, Bombers fans are welcome to rally around the eight-gamer’s campaign.
Above all else though, Draper has a simple, yet powerful message which would bring him the most gratification.
“I would love for the Essendon fans to rally around me and this great cause, because men make up six out of eight suicides in Australia daily,” Draper said.
“It’s not just about donating money, even a share or a like is super helpful.
“But what would be the most satisfying thing out of all of this is if men would start reaching out for help whenever we’re not OK.”
You can donate to Draper’s Movember campaign here.