Mo Challenge for Men's Health

The @TorontoPolice Follicle Force team, one of the most successful policeMovember fundraising teams around the world, has taken a local and international fundraising challenge to benefit men's health by growing moustaches. Keep in mind the moustache is not strictly necessary – and everyone is welcome to participate.

Over the last seven years, over 800 Toronto Police members have registered for Movember, and have raised over $270,000 for the Movember Foundation. The team has consistently been one of the top-fundraising police teams in Canada - and across the globe

“Once again this year we are encouraging members to join - or donate - to team @TorontoPolice Follicle Force and help us change the face of men's health. Let's have those important – and often difficult - conversations about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. These issues touch all of us in one way or another,” says team captain S/Sgt. Scott Bradury, of 53 Division.

The Toronto Police team is once again engaged in the 9-1-1 Toronto Emergency Services Movember Challenge where Toronto Police, Toronto Fire and Toronto Paramedic Services vie for the largest fundraising total.

For the first time, the Toronto Police team has also accepted a head-to-head fundraising challenge from the New Zealand Police – the county’s national police service.

“We are initiating and taking part in this CanKiwi Trophy Challenge as we see far too much hurt and death in our roles as police officers. This effects all of us, and men in particular are not good at asking for help, or reaching out and saying ‘are you ok?’ to workmates, friends and family, or looking after themselves when it comes to health matters,” says New Zealand Police Senior Constable Bryan Ward said.

Since its inception in 2003, Movember has grown to over 20 countries, and has funded over 1,250 men’s health initiatives and had over 6 million registered participants. Participation and fundraising efforts for Movember have been particularly strong in the police community.

“Each year, Toronto Police members work tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for Movember – they have become a huge part of the Movember community. It is truly through the incredible dedication and commitment demonstrated by TPS members and the rest of the First Responder community that Movember is able to continue to develop and implement programs and initiatives that will go towards supporting men all across Canada – and across the globe - who are living with prostate cancer, testicular cancer, or struggling with their mental health,” says Shane DeMerchant, Community Development Manager for Movember Canada.

Team @TorontoPolice Follicle Force raised $22, 099 in the 2018 campaign, behind Toronto Fire, who edged out TPS in the Challenge with $30,000. Toronto Paramedics raised $14,076, bringing the Challenge 2018 total to $66,175. Once again, the Toronto Police Association is playing an integral support role in incentivizing this challenge, by offering the team up to $5,000 in matching funds during the 2019 campaign.

You can help team @TorontoPolice FOLLICLE FORCE reach their fundraising goals, by visiting the donation page.

Learn more about Movember