Barking Space

For the last seventeen years, I have participated in fundraising for Movember Canada. Every year, there are more examples of why organizations like Movember Canada are needed. What I love about this organization is that it understands that evolution is the key to making the most difference.

Movember started off as a way to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. As time went on, testicular cancer was added to the mix — and eventually, men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and men’s health in general.

All of these elements are important — not only do they address the physical and mental aspects of health, but they also promote social change.

One would hope that the stigma surrounding “being a man” would have lessened by now — but I still hear young boys displaying aspects of the patriarchy, spouting macho nonsense, and talking down about genders other than their own. The key to an enlightened society is ensuring that men who struggle against this conditioning are given opportunities to express themselves in safe spaces.

While some of what I talk about may seem trivial to many, it’s exactly this mindset that prevents many men from coming forward when they have health problems — out of fear of “looking weak” or being judged by their peers.

This year, I am dedicating my campaign to my dear friend Jean-Pierre Matte, who passed away earlier this year from Merkel cell carcinoma. While this isn’t an “official” cancer covered by Movember, I wanted to honour my friend, as he was always one of my anchors when it came to mental health.

JP and I used to speak regularly about things both positive and negative. We both struggled with similar insecurities, and we often processed emotional issues together — always with love and respect for each other and our families. JP was a true example of someone who valued mental health and strove to help others face their demons with positivity, grace and kindness.

I’m lucky to have a few friends like this, with whom I share an incredible level of camaraderie and emotional vulnerability. Everyone should be so lucky — and this is why I do what I do every year.

So, let’s kick this off with a toast to JP — and let’s Mo.

This year, I would like to break the $100K barrier for donations raised in my lifetime. Would you like to help me achieve this goal?

If you would like to donate to my Movember page, please click here.

Filed under: Announcements, Convos, Friends, General Dialogue, Movember | Tagged: Brother, Cancer, Friend, Friends, Health, Life, Love, Memorial, Men's Health, Men's Mental Health, Mental Health, Movember, movember 2025, Prostate Cancer, Remembrance, suicide prevention, testicular cancer |