November is an awkward month. Arguably the most boring 30 days of the Canadian year, it is characterized by poor weather, American Thanksgiving television specials, and tense anticipation of the holiday season. The bastard child of winter and fall, it’s dark, wet, and miserable. Staying home to wallow in self-pity and bingeing on Netflix gets old quick so what’s one to do in these times of adversity? Well, 80s children’s television dictates that’s we should get together as a community and do something great. Cue: Movember.
Originally begun in Australia, the Movember movement is most commonly recognized for its initiative that gets men growing moustaches to raise awareness, dialogues, and vital funds for and about men’s health causes such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental illness issues. To date, over four million moustaches have been grown worldwide – raising over $574,000,000 to support 800 programs improving men’s lives in 21 countries. That said, the Movember movement has grown into something so much more than facial hair. The cause has become a favourite among organizations aiming to raise their corporate social responsibility cred, along with a slew of celebrities including Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.
If you are unable to grow a moustache (FYI, you could always get a beard implant), you can support the cause in other ways. If you are a lady or a gentleman who can’t (or doesn’t want to) sprout some facial fur, here are some companies’ Movember initiatives to help you get in the MO’d.
Baffi Collection: Moustache Lapel Pins
Can’t grow it? Show it with Baffi Collection’s wooden moustache lapel pins. Fastened to your lapel using magnet technology, the 100% Canadian-made accessories are safe on your clothes and are a subtle, stylish way for both women and men to show their support. Given that Baffi means “moustache” in Italian, it seemed only natural for the pocket square company to align itself with Movember. Available at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, Gusto101, The Citizen, and through the BaffiCollection.com web site, the moustache lapel pins sell for $20.00 a piece. From this, 25% of the proceeds will be donated to Movember Canada.
Campbell’s Chunky – Mo’d in Canada
With hunks of meat, potato, and hearty broth in every can, it really doesn’t get much manlier than Campbell’s Chunky soups. The quick-meal favourite has launched a contest for Movember 2014 asking fans to submit ideas for their next “Pub Inspired Soup.” With ingredients to choose from including elk, moose, and maple bacon, it’s likely that most entries would be more dangerous to men’s health than anything. By entering, contestants can win up to $5,000 — with Campbell’s Chunky donating $10,000 to Movember after 10,000 entries.
Sock It To Me
Socks are the universal clothing. Whether you’re a man or woman, rich or poor, everybody needs socks. This makes Sock It To Me’s Movember initiative especially brilliant, as it allows anybody who wants to show his or her support for the cause the ability to in a practical way. Their special-edition socks feature mini-moustache designs, and are available at Floorplay Socks on Queen Street West.
TOMS – Well Grown
For the fifth year in a row, TOMS has joined forces with Movember to help educate the world on men’s health issues. The socially-responsible shoemakers have created limited-edition versions of their Paseo and Classic models, featuring the Movember Foundation logo on the inner liner and moustache accents on the outer upper. Besides donating funds to Movember, TOMS will also give a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every set purchased.
Frank & Oak
It may not be possible to like Montreal menswear house Frank & Oak more. Besides opening a sleek new store at 735 Queen Street West offering well-priced, high-quality clothing for gentlemen, the brand is also now getting involved in the Movember initiative. This month, they will be donating $5.00 from every item purchased from their specially-curated Movember shop will go to Movember Canada.
What are some of your favourite Canadian brands participating in Movember this year? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
