November Impact | Movember 2017 Part II

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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.

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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!

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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!

November Impact | Movember 2017

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 initiatives.

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Our Personal Story

As you may already know, our founder Scott was diagnosed with stage II testicular cancer in mid-2015, barely a year after starting Portland Razor Co. It goes without saying that cancer is serious business, but Scott’s prognosis was good and he was expected to make a full recovery. And, well, he is! Last month marked his second year cancer-free, he competed in a 24-hour mountain bike race a few weeks ago, and he is able to play Taiko regularly… Let’s just say we’re damn grateful for life to be pretty much back to normal!

Reflecting on Scott’s experience, his positive outcome was undoubtedly influenced by the fantastic organizations that support research and outreach related to men’s health issues. This month, we’re teaming up with the Movember Foundation to give back, raise awareness, and help fund over 1,200 awesome initiatives in support of men’s health.

The Movember Foundation

Movember has built a formidable reputation for raising money and awareness on behalf of men’s health. Their stated mission is “Stopping men dying too young,” which they do by funding initiatives to fight prostate cancer, testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention.

Movember makes a couple of great recommendations on their site for living happier, healthier, longer lives:

  1. Make man time. Stay connected. Your friends are important and spending time with them is good for you. Catch up regularly, check in and make time.
  2. Have open conversations. You don’t need to be an expert and you don’t have to be the sole solution, but being there for someone, listening and giving your time can be life-saving.
  3. Know the numbers. At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether it’s right for you to have a PSA test. If you are African American or have a father or brother with prostate cancer, you should be having this conversation at 45. Know your numbers, know your risk, talk to your doctor.
  4. Know thy nuts. Get to know what’s normal for your testicles. Give them a check regularly and go to the doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
  5. Move, more. Add more activity to your day. Do more of what makes you feel good.

Our Fundraising Efforts

This month, proceeds generated from honing service fees will be going directly to the Movember foundation. This has proven to be an effective and meaningful way for us to donate consistently to causes with immediate need, and we thank you all for making it possible.

We are also hosting an event on November 11th at Portland Shave Shop and will be updating our facebook page with additional details. With the help and exceptional talents of barbers Eric Tolento @et.thebarber and Jeramie Armstrong @oldscoolnewblood, we are donating all proceeds from barbering services on select days to the Movember Foundation. There will be food and drinks, and it would be great to see you (come party with us!). Book your appointment for this special event HERE.

Please Share!

If you don't intend to participate in wither of our initiatives, we encourage you to donate directly to Movember Foundation and help spread the word about this great cause by sharing the event with your friends and family. We thank you for your help and we wish all of you a healthy beginning to the holiday season!