Movember is Back: Jon Montgomery’s Moustache Embarks on a Stratospheric Mission for Men’s Health
It’s November 1st, and Movember, Canada’s iconic hairy campaign, is back to raise awareness, education, and essential funds for men’s health. This year, Olympian and award-winning television host, Jon Montgomery, has taken a bold step to highlight the cause: he shaved off his moustache and sent it on a solo mission to the edge of the stratosphere.
The Moustache Mission, as it’s aptly named, is a testament to the importance of men’s health and the need for open dialogue about often-overlooked issues. Montgomery will be in Toronto, available for media interviews to discuss his unique initiative, his collaboration with Movember, and how Canadians can get involved in supporting this crucial cause.
Joining Montgomery is Todd Minerson, Country Director at Movember Canada, who is eager to discuss the partnership, Movember’s ongoing work, and how individuals can contribute to the movement this Movember.
A Health Crisis Often Ignored
The stark reality is that men are facing a health crisis, often left unaddressed and silenced. Canadian men, on average, die four years earlier than women, and many of these deaths are preventable. This is a crisis that demands immediate action, not silence.
The statistics are sobering: one in eight Canadian men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, with over 217,000 currently living with or beyond the disease. Testicular cancer, while treatable, is the most common cancer among young Canadian men aged 15-40, and long-term treatment side effects can severely impact quality of life.
But the crisis extends beyond physical health. Suicide rates among men are alarmingly high, with three out of four suicides in Canada being committed by men. These stark realities underscore the urgent need for initiatives like Movember, which aims to break down barriers and promote open conversations about men’s health.
Movember: A Global Force for Change
Born 21 years ago in Melbourne, Australia, Movember has evolved into a global movement uniting people from all walks of life. Their mission is to change the face of men’s health forever, and they’ve made significant strides since their inception.
Through dedicated supporters, Movember has raised over $1.3 billion for men’s health initiatives worldwide. These critical funds have been used to power over 1,300 projects, from pioneering biomedical research to establishing large-scale prostate cancer registries.
Since 2006, Movember has broadened its focus to include mental health and suicide prevention, advocating for early recognition of mental health issues and improved clinician responses to men in distress. By fostering social connections and educating both men and their supporters, Movember aims to empower men to seek help when mental health challenges arise.
Movember is committed to a future where barriers to healthy living are eliminated, stigmas are dismantled, and everyone has the opportunity to live a long and fulfilling life. By promoting men’s health, we collectively contribute to a healthier society, benefiting families and communities as a whole.
To learn more about Movember and how to get involved, visit Movember.com. For media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Ban or Elisabeth Cannatelli at Weber Shandwick: jban@webershandwick.com and ecannatelli@webershandwick.com.
