SEPTEMBER IMPACT | MAKE A WISH OREGON

In lieu of offering our "Cancer Free" sale this year, we have opted to donate 15% of sales from the first week of September to The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon is an organization of thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters who work to grant life-changing wishes of children with critical illnesses living in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Please read on below for Scott's personal reflections on this decision and what it means to have positive impact for a child battling a critical illness.

Dear Reader,

This week, Portland Razor Company will be partnering with The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon, and donating 15% of all website sales to this great foundation, whose cause is near and dear to my heart. As some of you know, in 2015/2016 I battled cancer and survived with the help of my friends and family. I feel very fortunate to have had this experience but it was certainly the toughest thing I have ever endured. I know that surviving cancer is one of the greatest gifts I could and will ever receive, and it has become a goal in my life to give back.

Every year, thousands of children and their families deal with the same hardships that me and my family did in 2015. Between the physical, mental and emotional stress of battling a critical illness, it can be very difficult for these children to live as positively and as happily as they deserve. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon plays a very important role in helping lift the spirits of these brave Wish Kids and their families. The simple act of granting a wish to a child can have an incredibly positive impact on their mental and physical well being. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon is here to make sure that every Wish Kid is given the chance of happiness. Make-A-Wish has granted thousands of wishes and by donating to this cause, we hope to help grant the wishes of as many children as is possible.

I know first hand that having something to look forward to is important during the treatment of a critical illness. Minutes, hours, days, and months really start to add up when they are spent in a hospital bed. During my treatment, I dreamed of the day that I could once again ride my mountain bike and told myself that every minute of treatment was bringing me ever closer to this dream. One friend brought me some new parts to go on my mountain bike when I could ride it again, and a nurse found an old stationary pedaling machine in the hospital and brought it to my room. These little acts of kindness functioned as reminders that I had a life to look forward to after cancer and helped keep me going. Make A Wish helps give Wish Kids something to look forward to, and I believe that donating to this cause is one of the most effective ways we can help these children and their families.

Myself, my family, and Portland Razor Company all thank you for your continued support, and we wish good health for all of you and your loved ones!

Best,

Scott Miyako

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How It Works

Portland Razor Co. will donate 15%  of all online sales during the first week of September 2018 in support of The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon. These donations will continue through the end of January. We hope to aid those in need as much as we can and thank you for your support.

If you would like to make a donation on your own accord, you can donate directly to Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oregon here.

November Impact | Movember 2017 Part II

This Movember, be the difference in a man’s life. We’re teaming up this month with the Movember Foundation to help raise funds and awareness for men’s health. Last Saturday, we hosted a party at Portland Shave Shop to do just that, and we couldn’t be prouder of how our customers came together to make it a success!

Movember Party @ Portland Shave Shop Recap

Thank you all for spreading the word, showing up, and joining us in supporting men’s health. Spending time together and looking out for each other is at the heart of the Movember message, so to have everyone come together to support one cause feels like a victory on its own.

We kicked things off last Saturday with a straight razor honing class. Many of our students stayed afterwards for a shave or generously contributed to our donation jar. Thank you honing students for traveling from far and wide not just to learn from us, but to celebrate and support Movember with us, too.

Local barbers Eric and Jeramie were booked solid with cuts and shaves and donated 100% of proceeds. We are so, so grateful to be working with such talented, hard-working, giving people. We have to thank our customers as well for filling the books and keeping these guys busy for a good cause!

Our thanks also go out to Hi-Wheel Wine Co. and New Basin Distilling Company for their generous donations and for bringing some warmth and life to the party. If you are visiting Portland, head north to Hi-Wheel’s tasting room in the historic Woodlawn neighborhood! As for New Basin, they distill “pioneering” spirits in Madras, OR, “one way, and only one way: our way. Otherwise what’s the point? In everything we do we’re driven by the same pioneering spirit that made Oregon what it is today." Additionally, many small business owners were in attendance on Saturday. We say it all the time, but the collaborative and supportive nature of the small business community here in Oregon played a part in deciding to start the company here, and we want you to know how much your friendship and support means to us. We look forward to learning and growing alongside you all in the coming years.

Ongoing Fundraising Efforts

Though the party is over, we will continue fundraising throughout the month with our honing service fees. We are donating proceeds from each honing service, and of course you can always make a direct contribution to the Movember Foundation.

Where Does Your Donation Go?

The Movember Foundation funds over 1,200 initiatives in 21 countries, focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. They do a great job of reporting where the money goes and how it’s being used. Last year the foundation raised $16.3 million, with 74.8% going directly to the initiatives and partners they support. You can read a more detailed report on their website.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Perhaps the best thing you can do for men’s health is to reach out. That may look like growing a mo and starting conversations about men’s health with strangers, or checking in with a friend to see how they’re doing. Don’t forget to look after yourself, too! Set a goal to be more physically active this month; walk instead of drive, ride a bike, play catch, try a handstand! Have fun with it, maybe even invite that friend you’ve been meaning to call!

Signal Boost!!!

Again, thank you all for your support and for helping make our fundraising for Movember such a success. If you like the work we’re doing and want to spread the word, please share this post on social media or with someone you care about. Likewise, if you’re hosting a fundraising event for Movember and want to let others know, feel free to leave a comment with a link to the event page or shoot us an email!

What are some other ways you are supporting men’s health this month? Let us know in the comments!