After several years of sponsoring/mocking participating friends, I’ve decided to take part in Movember this year. I’ve found a bit of extra motivation since my stepdad’s recovery from prostate cancer, plus I feel like it’s about time somebody else got a turn to ask me if I’m doing Movember, or just have bad judgement. The following post contains the details. If you received an email from me this morning, this is it, word for word. You can skip it. Otherwise, read on.

Friends, colleagues, relatives, well-wishers, and people who don’t wish me any specific harm:

Today is the first of November, which, for those not already aware, is the beginning of the “Movember” fundraising campaign, benefitting Prostate Cancer Canada. The purpose of Movember is for participants to generate donations by having people sponsor them to spend the month growing a moustache. This year, I’m participating, and I hope you’ll consider supporting the effort with a tax-deductible donation to Prostate Cancer Canada.

Prostate cancer kills 4400 men in Canada each year (and scares the hell out of many more, and their families). One in six men will be diagnosed during his lifetime. The funds raised by Movember support the research which will eventually make the current severity of that diagnosis a distant memory. I’m excited about this campaign, which I consider a creative and well-executed method of raising needed funds, and generating conversation about this massively important men’s health issue.

The easiest way to sponsor me is online, using your credit card or Paypal account, at http://ca.movember.com/mospace/794558/ . A tax receipt will be emailed to you automatically.

If you prefer, you can write a cheque payable to Prostate Cancer Canada, referencing my name or registration number (794558), and mail it to:

Prostate Cancer Canada

Suite 306

145 Front Street East

Toronto, ON

M5A 1E3

(Canada)

If you’d like information on how Prostate Cancer Canada spends the money, it is available at http://ca.movemberfoundation.com/research-and-programs

Those of you who see me on a regular basis, remember: a blond man with a moustache looks hilariously awkward. I promise you will experience a deeper enjoyment of the mockery sure to ensue at my expense if your donation helps make it happen.

Thank you!