There’s An Incredible Reason Why These Men Are Painting Their Nails

An Australian charity campaign is asking men to paint their nails with a blue varnish to raise awareness and funds towards combating violence against children.

According to i100, the idea came from the CEO of a social entrepreneurship company YGap, who had a life changing moment while travelling in Cambodia.

Elliott Costello was in Cambodia to work with a partner project when he met eight-year-old Thea. Playing noughts and crosses, Thea drew a love heart on Elliott’s hand before colouring his nails in bright blue.

The next day, Elliott discovered Thea had been raped daily by the caretaker of the orphanage she used to live in.

Looking good! Doing good! @sammacinsta and @mrtimrobards practising their best Blue Steele for #PolishedMan 2015. Question is… Who wore the black shellac better?? Get inspired! Get involved! Get polished for an amazing cause.

A photo posted by YGAP / POLISHED MAN (@ygap) on Oct 1, 2015 at 6:19pm PDT

Researching the facts, Elliott found that one in five children experience sexual violence worldwide.

With ninety per cent of sexual violence against children committed by men, Elliot decided to challenge the role he was playing in protecting vulnerable kids.

Setting up the Polished Man project, Elliot wants to create awareness of men’s role in changing the conversation of abuse. The website says that being a ‘Polished Man’ means challenging violent behaviour and language, both locally and globally, making men who sport a blue nail ambassadors for children to talk to in times of emergency.

The campaign began on October 1st and has already raised more than £100,000. Even Alec Baldwin has gotten in on the act…