The Dawn of New Hope for Canadian Men

AS INTERNATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH DAY APPROACHES, THE MOVEMBER FOUNDATION LOOKS TO SHED LIGHT ON MALE SUICIDE

OTTAWA, Nov. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - Around the world, on average, we lose a man to suicide every minute. In Canada alone, on average, 8 men die by suicide each day.

This morning, 136 pairs of shoes were placed on the front lawn of Parliament Hill, symbolising the Canadian men who died by suicide so far in the last 17 days of the month of Movember. As the sun rises the day before International Men's Day, we want to shed light on an important issue that isn't being talked about enough: male suicide.

"Male suicide is a problem that can't be ignored," says Movember co-founder Adam Garone. "Indeed, this is such a serious and saddening issue that it should be at the front and centre of public discussion. So, again I ask, why aren't we talking about it? Is it because of social perception and stigma? Is it because we don't have the courage to confront it?

Is it because…well, what reasons do you give? And when you do think about your answer, you should consider this: in your circle of friends, family, work-mates, team-mates, you will have someone, or perhaps several people or more, who are in a dark place, struggling with some form of mental illness and may need your help."

Joining Adam Garone on Parliament Hill is Sue Johnson, sister of long-time dedicated Mo Bro Scott Johnson, who died by suicide on October 27th, and Scott's friend, fellow Mo Bro, Jeff Morrison. They join Adam for this moment on Parliament Hill as a reminder that we need to have the tough conversations about suicide, and not allow it to remain a hidden health crisis. Sue is leading a fundraising campaign for the legacy of Scott for the month of Movember.

Canadians will witness a powerful reminder that mental health doesn't discriminate by job, age, income, but does by gender. The Movember Foundation is uniting around the world today to tell this story through this activation in London, England; Dublin, Ireland; Stockholm, Sweden, and Los Angeles, California.

Our fathers, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn't being talked about:

• Men die six years before women, for no physiological reason
• Three out of four suicides are men
• On average, eight men each day take their own life in Canada

Too many men are dying too young; on average six years younger than women. Adam Garone, said too many men are dying too young and before their time.

"The Movember Foundation is investing in projects that are having a real impact on the lives of men in Canada and around the world. By engaging with men where they are, and understanding what works best, we're helping make change happen sooner, before it's too late," said Mr Garone.

"While the state of men's health has come a long way since Movember started in 2003, there's still so much work to be done and we won't stop until men are living healthier, happier and longer lives," added Mr Garone.

The Movember Foundation wants our men alive, well and enjoying life.

With money raised, the Foundation has funded over 1,200 game-changing programs in mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer around the world, whilst positively challenging the way in which men's health issues are researched and addressed.

Join the fight at Movember.com and donate to help stop men dying too young.

About the Movember Foundation:
The Movember Foundation is the only charity tackling men's health on a global scale, year round. By 2030, we will reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%. The Foundation funds game-changing men's health projects. Millions have joined the movement, raising $759 million to help us fund over 1,200 projects focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

In addition, our awareness and education program is encouraging men to become more aware of their health, to talk about the big stuff in life, and take action when health issues arise.  Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn't being talked about. We can't afford to stay silent. We have one goal: to stop men dying too young.

SOURCE Movember Canada

Image with caption: "Adam Garone and Sue Johnson Place Shoes on Parliament Hill (CNW Group/Movember Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161118_C5949_PHOTO_EN_822236.jpg

Image with caption: "Movember Co-Founder and Chief Mo Bro Adam Garone places shoes on Parliament Hill (CNW Group/Movember Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161118_C5949_PHOTO_EN_822238.jpg

For further information: and to arrange an interview with a Movember Foundation spokesperson, a Mo Bro or Mo Sista in your local area contact: Tanya Black, 416-666-5352, [email protected]