Every November, something unusual starts to appear on faces across Sydney’s offices. Some are bold, some are patchy and some are a work in progress – but every moustache has a purpose.
Movember is all about men’s health. Throughout the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas raise funds and awareness for mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. It’s also one of the best excuses of the year to get your team together.
Whether you’re kicking off the month with a morning tea or celebrating the best (and worst) moustaches at the end of it, Movember catering is an easy way to bring people to the table for a cause that matters.

Why Get Your Workplace Involved

Men’s health can be a tricky topic to bring up, especially at work. A Movember event makes it easier.
When a team gathers around a table of good food, laughing at each other’s moustache progress, conversations happen more naturally. People check in on each other, share their own experiences and are reminded that it’s okay to talk about how they’re really going.
It’s also great for team spirit. A friendly competition, a shared lunch and a common goal give everyone something to rally around, from the office veterans to the newest starters.

Movember Event Ideas for Your Team

There’s no one right way to do Movember. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• The clean-shave kick-off. Start the month with a morning tea on 1 November, when everyone’s faces are a blank canvas. Snap a few “before” photos for the big reveal later.
• The mid-month check-in. Halfway through, moustaches are at their most awkward. A relaxed team lunch is the perfect time to check on progress and boost the fundraising total.
• The Movember BBQ. Nothing brings a team together quite like a BBQ. It’s easy, casual and a great fit for a gold coin donation lunch.
• The Mo Awards. Wrap up the month with a celebration and hand out awards for the best moustache, the most improved and the most dedicated effort. Canapés and a grazing table set the scene.

The Move challenge celebration. If your team takes on the Movember Move challenge, celebrate the kilometres you’ve clocked up with a well-deserved spread.

What to Serve at a Movember Event

The best Movember catering is relaxed, generous and easy to share. A few crowd favourites:

•  Morning tea spreads with pastries, slices, fresh fruit and something savoury for the early kick-off.
•  BBQs with burgers, sausages and fresh salads for a classic team lunch.
•  Share platters and grazing tables that keep people mingling at a Mo Awards celebration.
•  Hearty lunches like hot dishes, sandwiches and wraps for a mid-month catch-up.

Since Movember is all about health, it’s worth mixing in a few lighter options too, like fresh salads, nourish bowls and seasonal fruit. As always, our menus include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-friendly and dairy-friendly choices, so everyone on the team can join in.

4 Practical tips for planners

A little planning helps your event raise more and mean more:

1. Lead time: Book 5–7 days out for drop-off and 2+ weeks for staffed events. Late November finales fill up because they clash with the start of Christmas party season.
2.  Quantities: Morning tea is roughly 3–4 pieces per person, a grazing lunch 6–8, and a canapé party 8–12 over two hours.
3.  Dietaries: Offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free versions of the themed items so everyone can join in.
4. Fundraising add-ons: A per-head donation built into the package price, or a raffled platter.

More Than a Moustache

The moustaches disappear at the end of November, but the message behind them shouldn’t.
Movember is a reminder to look out for the men in our lives – our colleagues, mates, partners, dads and sons. Sometimes that’s as simple as asking how someone’s really doing and taking the time to listen. A shared meal is often where those conversations start.

Planning Your Movember Event?

Whether it’s a kick-off morning tea, a fundraising BBQ or an end-of-month Mo Awards celebration, we’d love to help you bring your team together for a great cause.
Tell us about your event and we’ll put together a menu that suits your team, your space and your budget. Get in touch with the Flavours team or call us on 1300 368 605 to request a quote for your Movember catering.

For more catering inspiration, behind-the-scenes event setups and our latest creations, follow Flavours Catering + Events on Instagram and Facebook.