Let’s Go Streaking Canada!

Years ago, if you told me that in 2014, I’d be tweeting with the hashtag #StreakWeek – to encourage a man to DROP HIS PANTS – I would have thought you were crazy.
But humour me for a moment, will you? Because I actually have an incredibly important message to share – one which happens to be the driving force behind the onslaught of boxer briefs that are about to invade our social space.

Yes, folks – it’s #StreakWeek – and it’s all for a great cause.

Truth be told, I stared at a blank screen for almost half an hour, trying to figure out an “angle” for this story. Should I be funny? Or should I try to tug at heartstrings? Should I lay down the facts in a cold, clinical fashion… or should I ease into the subject matter with tenderness? In the end, I decided the no-bullsh*t way is simply the best way to tackle it.

Let’s talk about testicular cancer.

While not the most comfortable topic to talk about, testicular cancer is actually the number one form of cancer found in young men, having affected an estimated 1,000 Canadian guys in 2014 alone. Perhaps I should have italicized young men, because this particular cancer preys on men in the prime of their lives. 

The incidence of testicular cancer has increased steadily over the last several decades, but the reasons for this increase are poorly understood. It is the most common cancer in young men 15–29 years of age; the incidence is lowest before puberty, increases significantly after age 14, peaks around age 30 and declines by age 60.

There is a bright side: When testicular cancer is detected and treated early, the chances of successful treatment are better. Recognizing symptoms and getting regular checkups are the best ways to detect testicular cancer early.

Another way to improve the chances of survival? Talking about it. Becoming educated. Being aware. That’s why Stanfield’s is partnering with the Canadian Cancer society and testicular cancer survivor Mark MacIntyre to make sure checking their “pair” is a regular part of young men’s routine – just like getting into their gitch in the morning.

Starting October 18th, for one week, McIntyre is going to drop his pants (sacre bleu!) for the cause and go streaking in nothing but his Stanfield’s to raise awareness. Canadians can support his endeavors by using the hashtag #StreakWeek over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram between October 18th – 26th.  For every hashtag used, Stanfield’s will donate $1 to the Canadian Cancer Society, up to $25,000.

So here’s the deal. I’m not going to let you forget about it, because I believe in continuing the conversation, both on and offline. Hence, I’ll be tweeting up a storm on the hashtag next week, and I want you to do the same. Throw me an RT. Send me a quick reply, using #SteakWeek. Follow @StanfieldsLTD and engage with them as well. Do what you can, because every dollar counts.

Of course, since streaking is more fun in the company of others, Canadians can also head to Stanfields.com to start your own fundraising effort in support of below-the-waist cancer awareness and see where Mark is going to be streaking next. You can join him at an Argonauts tailgate party or even the Saskatchewan Huskies basketball game. By raising $50 (or more), you’ll snag a free pair of limited edition #StreakWeek Stanfield’s gitch.
(Just remember: Find an appropriate public space, strip down to your Stanfield’s and run like the wind. And this is for willing parties only; no grade-school playground tactics, please.)

“We’re encouraging everyone to go streaking in their Stanfield’s to support this worthwhile cause,” said Jon Stanfield, President of Stanfield’s North America. “Streak week is all about raising eyebrows in an effort to raise awareness for a very worthy cause.”

Anyone know someone who’ll drop it like its hot? Be sure to send them all the #StreakWeek details!