It was with some sadness last Friday that a group of local men shaved off the moustaches they had lovingly grown throughout November to raise money for charity.
But after a month of collecting sponsors and holding weekly fundraising events in aid of the Equal Partners Foundation (EPF) - a non-profit organisation which provides support programmes to people with disabilities or learning difficulties - the men bid farewell to their moustaches in style with an 'End of 'Tache Bash' at Mojito Bar in Sliema.
"The final event was great fun and a fitting end to a very enjoyable initiative that has helped raise funds and awareness," EPF's Rosalind Vella said.
The moustache men, who call themselves the Moalition of the Willing, were presented with certificates by EPF representatives at the event, and Mark Apel was awarded a mobile phone donated by Vodafone for the best moustache with his impressive trucker-style growth.
"I have shaved every day of my life since the age of 16, but when I started growing this moustache it just felt right. I'm so happy to have grown the best moustache and I'm so happy to help a good cause," Mr Apel, 34, said.
Following a 'tache walk in front of 150 people in attendance, organiser Daniel McKean, 25, was deemed to have the worst moustache, although he claims it was simply too blonde to notice.
Some of the participants allowed EPF's Rebecca Mamo to shave off their moustaches in the evening, while others chose to stay with their facial hair for one final night and say goodbye to their moustaches privately at home.
Around 50 men grew moustaches, while Mojito Bar donated five per cent of the bar takings from each fundraising event. The total sponsorship money has not yet been calculated, but €1,040 was made from the events.
The Moalition of the Willing took their lead from the worldwide 'Movember' fundraising movement, which began in Australia 10 years ago when a group of friends dreamt up the idea of growing moustaches in November to raise funds for charity.
Money raised will go towards the Stepping Out Programme, which is 60 per cent funded by EPF and helps teenagers and young adults with intellectual disabilities to live autonomously.
www.equalpartners.org.mt.