Men’s Health Matters: Movember 2022
January 17, 2023
January 17, 2023
Employees around the globe fundraise for Movember
Movember is an annual event that takes place during the month of November. The purpose of Movember is to raise awareness about men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. During Movember, men are encouraged to grow moustaches to show their support for the cause and to start conversations about men's health.
One of the key aspects of Movember is the emphasis on the importance of talking to someone about one's health. Many men find it difficult to talk about their health, whether it be physical or mental, and this can lead to a lack of understanding and treatment of health issues. By encouraging men to talk openly and honestly about their health, Movember helps to break down these barriers and promote better health for all men.
In addition to raising awareness, Movember also raises funds for men's health initiatives. Through the efforts of individuals and organizations around the world, Movember has been able to fund numerous research projects and initiatives that are focused on improving the health of men. By participating in Movember, individuals can help to support these important efforts and make a positive impact on men's health.
Stantec employees around the globe created Movember teams and raised $36,353 for Movember. With a Corporate donation of $10,000, this brings our total contribution to $46,353.
In Christchurch, New Zealand, 11 employees showcased their moustaches for the month. Josefien Van Dael organized the initiative, sent updates and encouragement, and organized an end of the month awards morning tea for the office. “Not only did the team raise $1500, which was our target, a few of the team members joined in on Move-ember and achieved their goals of running 60 or 100 kilometres within the month,” Josefien Van Dael said. “We’re excited for an even hairier 2023 to keep this wonderful initiative going!”
Andrew Metherell, also in the Christchurch office, has a personal connection to men’s health as his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “He detected it at an early age and with quick action, it was successfully treated. I also know that his treatment was only possible as a result of ongoing research funding, so I absolutely see the value in the Movember message that we can stop men dying too young,” Andrew said. “I can barely grow a moustache myself but when I saw the emails coming through from Josefien, I figured sporting a bad moustache for the month isn’t much of a hassle if it could lead to increased awareness and some donations! What I quickly realized is that it also made me check-in with myself about these matters.”
Led by Randy Sinkuoff in the Markham, Ontario office and Kevin Cunningham in the Calgary, Alberta office, Team Stantec Canada raised an unprecedented $27,800. “The team received 259 donations which included a $10,000 from Stantec Corporate through the Alberta team,” Randy said. “But this is not just about money; our outreach helps raise awareness about men’s health issues in general. A great cause and one we will continue participating in.”
We are proud of the efforts made by Stantec employees worldwide during Movember to not only raise money for men's health, but to also raise awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide prevention. The moustache has become the driving symbol of a movement to help men live happier, healthier, and longer lives.