By: Jake Clutchey and Bernadette Vina
November for Torontonians brings colder temperatures and snowy streets, but it also marks the start of Movember.
Movember is a international event running for the month of November that promotes physical and mental wellness for men and raises money for prostate and testicular cancer.
Participating men are to shave at the beginning of the month, and then grow a moustache until the end while raising funds for the cause throughout.
“(Men’s health) is an issue that people don’t really talk about and they don’t really think is a big thing,” says Tanya Black, Senior PR Manager at Movember Canada.
“One of the big things we’re focused on is getting men to talk when times get tough.”
According to Statistics Canada, in 2012 about 130 for every 100,000 men in Canada were diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Stats Canada also shows that suicide claimed the lives of 2972 men in 2012 compared to 954 female deaths to suicide.
Throughout November, Torontonians have the opportunity to check out some cool and interesting events while also helping to raise money and awareness for the physical and mental well-being of men.
Here are some events we think you should check out:
- MO1 BEERBERSHOP SHAVE DOWN
Kick off your November by getting a free shave to start fresh for the month ahead. Drop by Movember & Co Barbershop and donate!
Where: Movember & Co Barbershop at the Movember Canada HQ 588 Richmond St West. Toronto, ON
Date: November 1st Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- MOVEMBER COFFEE BREAK
Earn your mustache sticker by buying coffee or tea as part of your contribution.
Where : The Kensington Health Centre, 25 Brunscwick Ave, Toronto ON M5S 2L9
Date : November 3rd
- JOIN MOVEMBER PARTY AT PGIC TORONTO!
They’ll have a face shaving station, photo booth, games & prizes, pizzas and some Movember swag. All proceeds are going to the Movember Foundation.
Where: PGIC Toronto, 2040 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Date: November 4th
Time: 12:00 PM
- VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT SUPPORTING MOVEMBER
In case you don’t know what VolleyBomb is, it’s a work out that incorporates a game of volley ball and a full body work out. Go play a game and win cash prizes, Lululemon merchandise, and so much more!
Where: 75 Carl Hall Rd, North York, ON
Date: November 5
Time: 1:00 PM
- KATA
Half of the proceeds from the Theatre Parallax Toronto’s show KATA is going to the Movember Foundation. KATA explores the toxic effect of hyper masculinity on modern society, hoping to create a dialogue around men’s mental health, and the detrimental effects of the “toughing it out” mentality.
Where: Dancemakers Studio, 15 Case Goods Lane, Toronto, ON M5A3C4
Date: November 15
Time: 8:00 PM
- 4TH ANNUAL MOVEMBER KICKOFF AT WOODY’S SAILOR BAR
LGBT event with live drag shows and free pizza. There are great raffles prizes to be won and receive a free Princess Skincare for all who decide to shave.
Where: Woody’s Sailor Bar, 67 Church Street Toronto, ON, M4Y 2C5
Date: November 6
Time : 4:00 PM
- THE HIP HAUS: MOVEMBER EDITION
A networking event for young Mo professionals with on site for by-donation shaves.
Where: Bloke, 401 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K1
Date: November 16
Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- MO SOCIAL!
Cykl is hosting a Movember Challenge, work out, feel great and only $20/rider and it’s all for a good cause.
Where: CYKL 68 Bathrust St, ON M5V 2P5
Date: November 25
- MOVEMBER CHALLENGE KAROAKE TORONTO
Sing your heart out, drinks, socialize and help raise funds for the Movember Foundation.
Where: Penny’s 1306 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H1N9
Date: November 17
Time: 9:00 PM
- 4TH ANNUAL MOVEMBER TRIVIA NIGHT
Another fun event hosted by the Gladstone hotel in the Melody Bar. You just need a team of four people to participate in the trivia with each person paying $15. All proceeds will go to Movember Foundation.
Where: The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6J1J6
Date: November 14
Time: 6:00 PM
- FLANNEL 5K
Run 5K across downtown with your Flannel on to support the MOVEmber movement. Only $20 donation required!
Where: Starting point : Maple Leaf Square
End point: Mascot Brewery (31 Mercer St.)
Date: November 12th
Time 2:00 PM
