Fauxvember takes on Kennett, aims to raise funds for charity

A gay former Movember charity campaigner who “can no longer support beyondblue” while Jeff Kennett remains as chairman of the national depression organisation is behind the new fundraising event Fauxvember which hopes to divert much needed funds to LGBTI and men’s health organisations.

A Facebook page has been set up for the moustache-themed fundraising initiative which at the moment proposes to give over 90 per cent of all funds raised to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Black Dog Institute and the National LGBTI Health Alliance.

Adrian Hempel, the charity campaigner behind Fauxvember, told SX that despite being a huge supporter of Movember in the past, he was concerned that beyondblue would receive up to $10 million of the funds raised like it has in previous years.

“Fauxvember is an effort that I've started in response to rising concerns around Jeff Kennett's leadership of beyondblue, particularly his public statements on gay parenting, and his multiple conflicts of interest relating to gaming machines.

“I’ve been a big supporter of Movember Australia in past years, and last year was the captain of one of the most successful teams,” Hempel added.

“But as a gay man who suffers from depression, and has seen the effects of problem gambling, I can no longer support beyondblue with Mr Kennett as chairman.”

Hempel has informed SX that having seen the “great work” done by staff at both Movember and beyondblue he is hopeful of supporting them next year.

Fauxvember is scheduled to run throughout the month of November.

For more information go to www.fauxvember.org or follow @FauxvemberAU on Twitter.