Nov 3, 20193 min read

The challenge is on to see which O'Hara pub can raise the most for Movember

Updated: Nov 4, 2019

Staff from Windsor Castle Hotel at East Maitland participated in the initiative last year.

O'Hara Hotel Group pubs the Bradford Hotel at Rutherford, Rutherford Hotel and Windsor Castle Hotel, East Maitland have this year challenged each other to see who can raise the most money for the

Movember initiative, which aims to get people talking and raise funds for men’s health.

O'Hara Hotels spokesperson Georgia Duff said the hotel group was joining forces in the challenge to try and raise $50,000 overall, as the initiative is close to the hearts of a lot of staff.

"Movember focuses on men’s health, particularly suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer," she said.

"Being a hotel group we have many staff who have experienced the impact of men's health within their families, friend groups, or even themselves. So it's really important to us as a group that we do our best to raise money and awareness throughout the month of November."

As part of the challenge, all three hotels will implement a number of fundraising initiatives to try and outdo each other.

Strategies throughout the month include things like Mo-Burgers, Mo-Beer, Mo-tins around the venues, and social media initiatives.

Strategies throughout the month will include things like Mo-Burgers, Mo-Beer, Mo-tins around the venues, and

social media initiatives...

While the strategies are sure to engage local patrons and see good results, the initiative is also bringing out the competitive streak of licensees, determined to outdo their colleagues.

"The Bradford is ahead at the moment, but that won't stop us trying to win," Rutherford Hotel licensee Nathan Trotter said.

"We've added some extra incentives for the locals to donate, for example we told them if we get $200 in our Mo-tins all the staff will get up and sing karaoke."

"Being a hotel group we have many staff who have experienced the impact of men's health within their families, friend groups, or even themselves..."

Likewise, Windsor Castle general manager Helinka Adamson is also keen to take the title and has already held three massive shave events at the hotel, including having head chef Jason Burgess shave off his 30cm long goatee.

"He's had it forever and it was down to his belly button," Helinka said.

"We also had two locals step up and participate in the shave. We have some great locals here, they have donated a lot already through the tins and signed up for our team. We're so lucky in that way."

With a $1,000 over the bar for the winning hotel, Bradford Hotel licensee Neil Hedges is also determined that his locals will enjoy taking out the contest.

"We are ahead at the moment and have some of the best locals in the area," he said.

"We're proud to be part of this challenge. It's for a good cause and close to the hearts of a lot of our locals.

"Our patrons always dig deep for worthy causes and we really encourage as many people as possible to get on board."

You can be part of the challenge by setting up a Movember fundraising profile online and joining one of the pub teams.

"Both men and women can participate through a variety of initiatives such as Move for Movember which includes physical activity, growing a mustache, shaving, or a number of different activities," Georgia said.