The month formerly known as November is upon us, a time when moustaches sprout on thousands of men around the world in the name of men’s health.
During Movember, Canadians band together in teams within their industry to create a network challenge at Movember.com. These create a fun and competitive environment, showcase the collective achievement of the industry and raise awareness and funds for men’s health, particularly prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and physical inactivity. To date, $175 million has been raised in Canada.
Burnaby RCMP’s team, The Burnaby Fuzz, was a part of Movember’s Great Canadian Police Challenge last year. Lead by Insp. Michael Labossiere, members raised $27,742 with fundraising activities that included direct donations, BBQs, and silent and live auctions. The Burnaby Fuzz eagerly registered for a sixth consecutive year because they believe Movember is such a great cause and very well aligned with their organization and core values of Respect, Accountability, Professionalism, Integrity, Honesty and Compassion.
“Movember is effective, fun and impactful. It also supports causes that affect many RCMP officers and their families,” said Michael Labossiere, Burnaby Fuzz team captain. “Our team is inclusive of all stakeholders in our community, including co-workers, partners, municipal employees and parents of students.
“Each time someone comes up to me and relates their personal experience on how being involved with our Movember team has positively impacted them or a family members health, is such a powerful and memorable thing.”
York Regional Police officers were also a part of the 2014 police challenge. The team’s 100 members raised $25,000.
“Three years ago the York Region Emergency Services Movember Fundraising Challenge was created. This brought together police, fire and EMS personnel in a fun filled challenge to raise funds and awareness for men’s health,” said captain Kevin Swain.
“This light-hearted competition brought us together to work towards a common goal of starting conversations and raising funds to allow Movember to continue supporting men’s health issues, in particular PTSD related illnesses.”
PTSD illnesses are a significant reason why Swain and his colleagues support Movember. They feel it only makes sense to do everything they can do assist colleagues who are suffering in silence. The issue is personal for Swain, who devotes time to sharing his personal story of dealing with PTSD, depression and his own suicide attempt. He understands suicide can be an uncomfortable topic but doesn’t want to see anyone have to go through what he did.
Swain and his colleagues believe the conversations they start today will help someone tomorrow, and the money they raise will fund much needed research to help saves hundreds or even thousands of lives.
This year, the Movember Foundation is adding another way to champion men’s health with MOVE – a 30 day fitness challenge to promote physical activity. For Mo Sistas, MOVE is a way to do something tangible in the name of men’s health, and for Mo Bros it’s a new challenge. Grow your Mo, MOVE or take things to the next level and do both.
“It’s exciting that there is going to officially be a new way to participate in Movember this year,” Labossiere said. “Personally, I’ll commit to running and swimming. As a team, we plan to organize some MOVE events and some internal fitness competitions.”
“This is such a great idea,” said Swain. “Physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle are imperative for police officers. I’d love to incorporate a “move for MO” session for our members that would encourage everyone to get active for at least 30 minutes while on shift or at home.”
Labossiere and Swain chose to captain their teams because they felt it was important to encourage an enjoyable way to promote men’s health within their agencies. Movember provides a chance to bring health, humour and camaraderie into the workplace and to the community. The moustache is a great conversation starter and an excellent way to bring municipal police and RCMP members together.
From Movember 1st Mo Bros start clean-shaven and groom their way to a fine moustache. Mo Bros and Mo Sistas can also commit to MOVE with the 30-day fitness challenge. Labossiere says “the main thing is to have fun and do good.”
THE RULES
- Once registered at Movember.com each Mo Bro must begin the 1st of Movember with a clean-shaven face.
- Mo Bro’s and Mo Sistas can also commit to the MOVE challenge and MOVE everyday of Movember.
- For the entire month of Movember each Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache.
- Don’t fake it. No beards, goatees or fake moustaches.
- Use the power of the moustache to create conversations about men’s health and to raise funds for prostate and testicular cancer and mental health.
Get involved. Sign up at Movember.com today.
The Movember Foundation is a global charity committed to men living happier, healthier longer lives. Since 2003, millions have joined the men’s health movement, raising $677 million and funding over 1,000 programs focusing on prostate and testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.
From 30 Mo Bros in 2003 to over five million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to date, Movember is all about creating positive change for men’s health by raising awareness, educating men year-round and taking over the month formerly known as November.
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