Movember 2015 at the LTC
Written by Kate Alex, International student, RRC’s Language Training Centre
Kate, Student at the Language Training Centre
The LTC`s Movember team is active and enthusiastic again this year. The LTC team consists of 14 members and has so far collected $ 511 for the cause. For more information on Movember and to see the progress of the LTC team, check out the official Movember website.
In this article, I wanted to introduce you to some of the people who officially represent the Movember movement at the LTC in 2015 as they share their thoughts about Movember.
“Movember for me started out as a great way to grow a ‘stylin’ stache’ and not have anyone complain. As I participated in Movember more and more, I became familiar with the causes and goals of the movement. For me, having the ability to raise awareness and funds that can lead to cures for prostate/testicular cancer or tackle the stigma of mental health problems is all the motivation I need to participate in this annual event.”
Simon, Captain of the LTC Movember Team, Instructor at the Language Training Centre
“I heard about Movember several years ago and decided to participate to help bring awareness to men’s health issues. In Canada, men grow a new moustache in the month of November and men and women can take a “movement challenge” where they have to do some physical activity each day of the month. Also, anyone can donate to a person or team participating in the Movember challenges in order to raise money for Movember. To me, Movember is about raising awareness of men’s health issues like cancers and mental health issues. This is not my first time participating in a Movember event, but it is my first time doing the 30 day movement challenge for Movember.”
Lori, Instructor at the Language Training Centre
“I’ve participated in Movember over the past few years .This is the second year that Simon has put together an LTC team, and before that my father participated in the fundraising effort by growing a moustache. Some very important people in my life are men. Movember for me is a time to show support for my loved ones (father, brother, uncles), friends and colleagues. I am participating in Movember by taking the challenge of moving every day….so far I’m doing pretty well!”
Kathy, Program Manager at the Language Training Centre
“I heard about it several years ago when it came to Canada. Some friends of mine were growing moustaches, and I asked them about it. I decided to participate because men’s health is an issue that gets swept under the rug. I believe it deserves a spotlight. In Canada, we celebrate Movember by growing moustaches to start discussions about men’s health and raise funds for related charities. For me, Movember is a time of year for me to think about my mental and physical health and talk to others, especially men, about men’s health. The biggest challenge I have is that my partner hates my moustache! I also have trouble staying motivated to exercise weekly. It is not my first time growing a moustache for Movember. I grew one two years ago and raised awareness, but I wasn’t able to raise money. This year is different; so far I have raised close to $100. I heard that there is a Movember party at the end of the month for people who have raised a certain amount of money, but have never been. Maybe I’ll have a chance to go this year.”
Logan, Instructor at the Language Training Centre
“I’ve known about Movember for several years. Simon has been a great advocate here at Red River College. I decided to participate because my father is a prostate cancer survivor. I’m celebrating Movember this year by participating in the “move” challenge. I’ve promised to exercise for every day in November. I upload pictures of myself exercising on our Movember team website. Sometimes it’s hard to be motivated to exercise every day, but I’m being kind to myself by exercising more on some days than others. “
Sherry, Instructor at the Language Training Centre
I have been participating in Movember for 4 years now and I decided to participate because a friend had suggested it to me and I thought it was a good cause. I guess the biggest challenge is finding time in my schedule to get enough people to donate and raise the profile of Movember within my social circle. I am growing a moustache this month but I have also decided to take on the move challenge.”
Yaw, Assessor at the Language Training Centre
Here are some interesting facts about Movember:
- Over $550 million have been raised since the launch of Movember.
- The most money raised by a single person is $132 596 (Joey Johannson, Canada)
- Only 30 people participated in 2003. In 2013, that number grew to 969,000. [1].
Movember concerns every one of us. Let`s keep going together for changing the face of men`s health.
[1] Retrieved from http://www.details.com/story/mustache-statistics