ON Semiconductor Employees Help Change the Face of Men's Health
Written by: Deirdre Ormston, project manager for ON Semiconductor Ireland and global grant advisor for the ON Semiconductor Foundation
Movember fundraisers are a global community of fired up Mo Bros and Mo Sisters – aka rock stars making a difference in mental health, suicide prevention, as well as prostate and testicular cancer during the month of November. Movember Europe has funded over 1,250 men's health projects globally.
Last November, I was delighted to help lead our Movember campaign, which was our first fundraiser for employees at our Limerick, Ireland location. It was an absolute pleasure to work with the engineers and watching them grow their beards and mustaches for such a great cause, and more importantly, to raise awareness for men’s health. It is something that is not always spoken much about but with this campaign, we were able to change mindsets. Therefore, I would like to thank the lads for their great work over that month and the funds we raised together to support the Irish Cancer Society.
“We would like to thank Donal, Drew, Derek, Joey and Myron from the ON Semiconductor team who grew their ‘MOs’ and supported the Irish Cancer Society’s Movember campaign back in November 2020,” said Claire Bowman, corporate partnerships manager for the Irish Cancer Society. “They raised an amazing €2,735 ($3,275 USD) and the ON Semiconductor Foundation matched those efforts. Thank you for helping to change the face of men’s health. Many thanks for your support!”
This International Men’s Health Week 2021, June 14-20, we honor the employees that took part in these efforts. This health holiday is being led by Men’s Health Network and representatives from six leading men’s health organizations around the world. Their goal is to help increase awareness of male health issues on a global level and to encourage inter- and intra-national institutions to develop health policies and services that meet the specific needs of men, boys and their families.
Movember Campaign Employee Supporters and Their “MOs”:
“Movember has always been a charity I wanted to get involved with and I was delighted to participate with my colleagues in Limerick this year. Last year, more than ever, we felt that fundraising for a mental health organization was very relevant and growing moustaches proved to be a fun way of lifting spirits and brought a buzz to the office. The support and donations we received far exceeded anything we imagined which made the experience all the more rewarding,” said Drew McLean, applications engineer for ON Semiconductor Ireland.
“Having been cleanly shaved all my life, it seemed like spending a month growing a moustache would be no big deal, and if it could help raise some much needed funds for men’s health issues, why not give it a go? But, I did not realize how much a little bit of facial hair would invite commentary, polarize opinion and even change my personality a little bit. I got through the month, my marriage survived, we raised some funds - more than could have been expected – and with the generous matching funds by the ON Semiconductor Foundation - and now I’m back to being the cleanly shaved guy as I was before - just a little bit wiser as to how sometimes a small change can make a big impact! I will be doing it again in November 2021… we will have to wait and see,” said Myron Robinson, project manager for ON Semiconductor Ireland.
“As a bearded man since what feels like birth, I was very reluctant to partake of Movember (the fear is real!). However, life teaches us a few lessons even if we do not realize it at the time. When depression hit my family, it changed the lives of all involved in a significant way. An insidious, often invisible disease, it holds no respect for creed or class or geographical location. Men in particular have a very hard time trying to quantify it to themselves, let alone talk to anyone about it. The Movember platform allows all men the chance to assist the charities that help men through emotional and physical difficulties. I think it may well also afford men the chance to confront their own demons as they endeavor to help others. Last year saw a massive spike in mental illness due to the onslaught that was and still is COVID-19, many people who never thought they would fall prey to loneliness, isolation or uncertainty found themselves confused and frightened as they tried to battle doubt and feelings they did not previously experience. Charities and platforms like Movember play a most vital role in securing not only awareness but also vital funds needed by both government-run and private organizations that help people on a day-to-day basis. Now more than ever, these organizations are stretched thin trying to assist people coming forward for help. I am humbled by the massive show of support our team received from both within and outside of the company. It was a great month, even though my face felt cold like I had not felt in over 25 years! I am very glad I worked up the courage to take the razor to the beard,” said Derek Parrot, applications technician for ON Semiconductor Ireland.
“Movember is about supporting men’s physical and mental health - often neglected by men themselves. I am very proud of the amount of money we raised, and of the wonderful generosity of our colleagues. And it was a fun way to support a very good cause,” said Donal O’Sullivan, applications engineer for ON Semiconductor Ireland.
Learn more about Corporate Social Responsibility at ON Semiconductor.
