Movember is returning with a renewed focus on advocacy for men’s health, launching its annual fundraiser on Saturday. This year marks a significant shift as Movember expands its efforts to include an advocacy wing aimed at influencing policy and governmental relations.
New Advocacy Initiatives
According to Mitch Hermansen, the director of fundraising and development for Movember Canada, this is a pivotal moment for the organization. “For the first time in Movember history, we’re developing an advocacy program to support a national men’s health strategy. Currently, Canada lacks such a framework,” Hermansen stated.
As part of these initiatives, Movember Canada plans to host an event on Parliament Hill this November. This event will bring together Members of Parliament and federal government representatives to discuss and promote necessary health policies for men across the country.
Research on Men’s Health
To strengthen its advocacy efforts, Movember Canada released a comprehensive report titled “The Real Face of Men’s Health.” This landmark research, which surveyed over 3,000 Canadians, provides critical insights into the current state of men’s health in Canada.
- 44% of Canadian men are not expected to live until age 75.
- The report highlights various challenges faced by this demographic.
“Spoiler alert, it’s not the best,” Hermansen remarked, indicating the urgent need for better health strategies aimed at men.
Expanding Participation Beyond Moustaches
As Movember continues to evolve, participation is not limited to growing moustaches. Individuals are encouraged to engage in creative ways to support the movement. For example, last year, a participant in Kitsilano climbed the stairs at Wreck Beach 100 times in a single day, taking 16 hours to complete the challenge.
“This evolution shows how the community can get involved and create awareness. People want to hear the stories behind these efforts and the reasons for their participation,” Hermansen added.
For more information or to get involved in Movember, visit El-Balad’s dedicated site at ca.movember.com.
