Here's why men are polishing one fingernail this October
Men around the world are making a simple yet powerful statement in an attempt to end violence against children.
For the month of October, Australian-based nonprofit YGAP is encouraging men to take part in its social impact campaign, Polished Man, by painting one fingernail to raise awareness and funds to support the one in five children who suffer physical and/or sexual violence before the age of 18.
In its third year, the campaign is receiving support from noteworthy names like actors Chris Hemsworth and Tyler Blackburn, photographer David Higgs and Olympic gold medalist Michael Klim, all of whom have broken through the stereotypical concept of "manliness" by showing off their powerful "man-icures."
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The idea for "Polished Man" all started when YGAP’s CEO, Elliot Costello, met a recently rescued girl named Thea while visiting Hagar International in Cambodia.
According to the YGAP website, when Thea was 8 years old, she was physically and sexually assaulted for two years after being sent to an orphanage. During Costello's trip, he bonded with Thea and before he left she drew a heart on his palm and painted his nails blue.
After hearing Thea’s story, Costello decided to start painting one of his nails to remember her by, and was inspired to share his experience with others to raise awareness and make a change.
"The power to stop this is on your hands. It starts with painting a fingernail. That nail leads to a conversation. That conversation inspires a donation. That donation allows for prevention and protection," Costello wrote on the Polished Man website.
As for ladies looking to show their support, in addition to participating in the one polished nail trend, the campaign asks women to encourage men by helping them with their polishing skills and telling the world “I prefer a #PolishedMan” by posting a photograph to social media.
So far the campaign has raised $257,227, and all funds will reportedly be donated to trauma recovery and trauma prevention programs for children who have suffered or are at risk of suffering violence globally. In addition, funds will also be channelled into future projects being carried out by Hagar International, The Australian Childhood Foundation, The New York Centre for Children and World Vision Australia.
Mashable reached out to YGAP for comment.
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Nicole is a Senior Editor at Mashable. She primarily covers entertainment and digital culture trends, and in her free time she can be found watching TV, sending voice notes, or going viral on Twitter for admiring knitwear. You can follow her on Twitter @nicolemichele5.
