Malala Fund and Tech Startup Build Free Fundraising Technology for Nonprofits

Nobel laureate, Malala Yousafzai

Malala Fund—a nonprofit organization co-founded by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai that advocates globally for girls' education—teamed up with tech startup Give Lively to build "Simple Widget", a new state-of-the-art donation widget that provides an elevated donation experience nonprofits can take advantage of directly on their own websites. Simple Widget is now available for free to 501(c)(3) organizations. 

Successful fundraising through digital platforms has become critical for most nonprofits, but especially for organizations like Malala Fund whose supporters primarily interact with them online. "We wanted to give particular focus to enhancing and streamlining the donor experience," explains Hannah Orenstein, Digital Manager at Malala Fund. "As soon as supporters learn about our mission and are compelled to give, it's important that they are able to do so as quickly, easily and as securely as possible."

Give Lively is a philanthropist-funded startup in New York City that is disrupting the nonprofit space by building innovative fundraising tech and giving it away to nonprofits for free. "We loved that the Give Lively team was nonprofit driven and not necessarily 'business' driven," says Orenstein.

"Malala Fund's digital team came to us with an idea to improve their donor experience and we knew we could build something that would have a broader impact," explains Brooke Currence, Vice President of Marketing at Give Lively, noting that effective fundraising tech was critical for Malala Fund but also for the entire nonprofit sector. "This collaboration led to a solution that will ultimately help nonprofits of all sizes raise funding they need to fulfill their mission without sacrificing their means."

Simple Widget is built with mobile-first design and features like Apple Pay and Google Pay which allow donors to get through the donation process as seamlessly as possible by reducing payment to a single tap. Nonprofits can customize Simple Widget to fit their brand and easily embed onto their websites. Simple Widget is now added to Give Lively's suite of always-free fundraising products, technology that is otherwise prohibitively expensive for most nonprofits.

⏩ Visit www.malala.org to see the technology in action.

Give Lively's Simple Widget on Malala Fund's website is built with mobile-first design and features that allow donors to get through the donation process as seamlessly as possible.

About Give Lively:

Give Lively is a New York City tech startup disrupting the nonprofit online fundraising space by building innovative fundraising tech and giving it away to nonprofits for free. Give Lively's philanthropist founders cover their operating costs so they can build best-in-class tech to empower nonprofits to raise more online. 

Nonprofits have unlimited access to Give Lively's Forever Free and always evolving fundraising tech, like Text-to-Donate, Peer-to-Peer, Embeddable Widgets, Event Ticketing, Video Storytelling and more. Thousands of nonprofits rely on Give Lively technology to fundraise. 

To learn more, visit www.givelively.org.

SOURCE: Give Lively

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Undercover Investigation: Shocking New Evidence Finds Wild Jaguars Cruelly Poached To Fuel Traditional Asian Medicine Trade

A four year old female Jaguar named Curubanda at Las Pumas wildlife sanctuary in the region of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. (Image via World Animal Protection)

The majestic big cats known for their elaborate markings, are being poached and processed to be exported to China. The process involves boiling down their bodies for up to a week until it turns into a glue-like paste, it is then sold on the black market in tubs and until now, has been undocumented.

The product is used in the belief that it can treat arthritis pain, improve sexual performance and enhance health even though there are proven alternatives readily available.

This shocking cruel practice involves jaguars being stalked and shot numerous times, suffering multiple injuries, until eventually they are killed, usually with a final bullet to the head once they are too injured to move. In one instance, it was reported that the jaguar had to be shot seven times until it died, causing prolonged suffering.

Investigators from the international charity also captured interviews with rangers, discussions with poachers and the traders who are putting orders for a jaguar on social media, by phone, or through their personal networks.

The sale of the jaguar paste is a lucrative business with a zealous market – a driving factor given that almost half of the population lives in poverty and a jaguar is considered to some miners to be worth around 20 grams of gold.

In addition, there is evidence of jaguar cubs being taken from the wild and sold – often to wealthy business men keeping them as status symbols and not knowing how to take care of them.

Sources say they live their lives in cages, until they are too big to look after and at times they are killed to eat, as their meat is also consumed among Suriname's Chinese population.

A poached jaguar. (Image credit: World Animal Protection confidential source.)

Nicholas Bruschi, Investigations Advisor at World Animal Protection, said: "This investigation has uncovered a shocking underground trade exploiting an iconic animal of the South American rainforests for unproven traditional Asian medicine.

Jaguars already face the challenges of habitat destruction and human animal conflicts. They are now cruelly and needlessly killed, left to die agonizing deaths. It is extremely sad news for these incredible big cats whose numbers are already in decline. And, while jaguar cubs might seem very cute, they are still wild animals and belong in the wild, not in the illegal pet trade."

It's estimated that there are approximately 173,000 jaguars left in the wild, and they are classed as 'near threatened' according to IUCN list. It is also thought that jaguars, like other big cats, are being used as a supplement product for traditional Asian medicine to their relative, the tiger, sparking a worrying trend that could see their numbers plummet.

With more mining and logging resulting in loss of habitat and increased human wildlife conflicts, jaguars are becoming more visible, and are being targeted for taking livestock. Habitat loss also makes it easier for opportunist poachers and organised mafia gangs to source jaguars in the wild.

World Animal Protection works tirelessly to prevent cruelty to animals around the world. Jaguar poaching for traditional Asian medicine is something that has, to date, been relatively under the radar.

To tackle the issue, World Animal Protection will be cooperating with Suriname's rangers and specialist NGOs on tangible solutions and sharing intelligence to prevent poaching.

They are raising awareness of the issue, in the hope that the Suriname government will put greater enforcement within their borders to stop poaching, but also prevent the smuggling of the product out of the country.

The undercover video of the jaguar trade:

SOURCE: World Animal Protection

Additional information:

• Suriname is home to one of the earth's largest tract of pristine tropical rainforest
• Suriname was a former Dutch colony, founded mainly as a plantation economy based on crops of coffee, cocoa, sugar cane and cotton plantations
• The jaguar is classified by all countries of the Guianas as being endangered and thus in need of protection. This means that it is illegal to target and hunt the species, whether for export, recreation, the domestic pet trade, or for bushmeat. There are only a few exceptions where special provisions are made for capture and shipment for education, exhibition and research to zoological parks, museums and wildlife reserves

An Anthem For A New Generation: "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" Gets A Makeover In Time For Women's Equality Day With The Launch Of "She-I-O"

Land O'Lakes introduces “She-I-O,” a rousing anthem for a new generation that celebrates inclusion and champions women, just in time for Women’s Equality Day, August 26.

History was rewritten as "herstory" today as a classic children's song got a makeover for the modern age. Vocal powerhouse and soul songstress Maggie Rose and Grammy Award-winning Warner/Chappell songwriter Liz Rose collaborated to reimagine the song "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," introducing "She-I-O," a rousing anthem for a new generation that celebrates inclusion and champions women, just in time for Women's Equality Day, August 26.

⏩ "She-I-O" is the cornerstone of the new All Together Better initiative from Land O'Lakes, the farmer-owned cooperative that's owned and run by 1,791 farmers, many of whom are women. Land O'Lakes wanted to give a voice to the untold stories of the women who work hard to feed this nation.

Land O'Lakes pooled the talents of Americana-country-rock singer Maggie Rose and the grand dame of songwriting, Liz Rose, for the remake of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." 

Some of Liz's many songwriting credits include Taylor Swift's "Fearless," Little Big Town's "Girl Crush," Carrie Underwood's "Cry Pretty" and Kenny Chesney's "Better Boat."

"'She-I-O' serves as a rallying cry for women breaking stereotypes, not just in dairy farming, but in every industry," said Maggie Rose.  "I was thrilled to work with Liz Rose to rewrite the lyrics to the iconic 'Old MacDonald' song, turning it into an homage to America's hardworking women. There's beauty and strength in letting our voices be heard.

I'm passionate about the message at the forefront of 'She-I-O,' which celebrates the power of inclusivity and the role women play in modern farming. My husband's family owns a cattle ranch in Missouri, so I've had a glimpse into what goes into putting food on our tables. Like so many of us, I grew up singing 'Old MacDonald' when I was young," said Maggie Rose. "Where you hear the lines 'on his farm' and 'he had a cow,' it's nice to finally add in the other half of the population." 

But make no mistake, "She-I-O" isn't the stuff of nursery rhymes. It's an eloquent narrative for a new generation. The lyrics speak for themselves:

You know Old MacDonald had a daughter
She-I-She-I-O 
Look what she does with what he taught her 
She-I-She-I-O
She's got the future in her hands 
She's proud her roots are where she stands

Vocal powerhouse and soul songstress Maggie Rose partners with Land O'Lakes to reimagine the iconic song “Old MacDonald Had a Farm."

"She-I-O," which debuted on SoundCloud and will be available on iTunes beginning August 24, comes to life in a compelling music video, now streaming on Vevo and YouTube, which was directed by dynamic duo Charlotte Fassler and Dani Girdwood of Similar But Different. Authenticity was key, which is why the video features the Dotterer sisters, their cousins and their daughters, just a few of the many real-life female farmers from the Land O'Lakes farmer-owned cooperative. 

Also debuting as part of the All Together Better initiative is a three-part documentary series called In Their Words, produced by The Female Farmer Project, which chronicles the personal stories of some of these Land O'Lakes farmers. With women comprising approximately one-third of all U.S. farmers, In Their Words was created to celebrate these fearless females and create a dialogue around the importance of their role in the food chain. 

⏩ The series is available for viewing here 

For the All Together Better initiative, Land O'Lakes and the Land O'Lakes Foundation have also partnered with Feeding America to raise awareness around the issue of food insecurity. To honor the hardworking farmers who feed us all, Land O'Lakes will donate $1* to Feeding America for every share, tag or comment on any of the "She-I-O" music video content on Land O'Lakes social channels, as well as the "She-I-O" music track, available on SoundCloud and iTunes, up to $100,000. [*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks.]

⏩ Consumers are also encouraged to use the hashtag #AllTogetherBetter to add their voice to the cause.

"We are excited to be rewriting history and championing female farmers and women in all industries who are breaking glass ceilings and changing stereotypes," said Anna Squibb, senior manager, integrated marketing, dairy foods retail at Land O'Lakes. "All Together Better was built on the premise of inclusion, one of the core values at Land O'Lakes. In an increasingly divided world, we want to be a unifying force, and Women's Equality Day is the perfect moment in time to spotlight that intention. We're honored to work with Maggie Rose and Liz Rose, both of whom embody the boldness, strength and grit reflective of the female farmers who make up the Land O'Lakes cooperative."

Maggie Rose has been named to YouTube's Emerging Artist and Artist in Residence 2018 programs, and Pandora named her an Artist to Watch 2018. Maggie's creative breadth and versatility sparked the first-ever partnership between Prescription Songs and Sea Gayle Music, with the two companies signing a joint-venture publishing agreement with Maggie. 

Her highly anticipated album Change the Whole Thing drops to AAA radio in mid-August, and is released September 21, with a corresponding tour recently announced. 

⏩ For more information about Maggie Rose, the album and tour dates, visit maggierosemusic.com

All Together Better is a multichannel campaign created by mostly female teams at The Martin Agency and Land O'Lakes that also includes :30 and :60 TV spots, print executions and custom digital content. Consumers are encouraged to use #AllTogetherBetter as a way to connect their own lives to the Land O'Lakes story. 

⏩ For more information, please visit landolakes.com/who-we-are.

The Video:

About Feeding America:

Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, they provide meals to more than 46 million people each year. 

Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. 

Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger.

SOURCE: Land O'Lakes, Inc.

US: Warriors, Families, and Avengers Assemble at Marvel Universe Live

Army National Guard veteran Jason Bowden and his family gather during Marvel Universe Live

Injured veterans and their families immersed themselves into the wild live-action world of Marvel comic book heroes during a recent Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) event. When warriors and their families come together, that's when the healing happens.

"My son loves everything Marvel," said Army National Guard veteran Jason Bowden. "He and the other kids at the event were thoroughly entertained with the Marvel heroes and villains, and I enjoyed being with fellow warriors and my family. Being a warrior is a great honor for me."

This energetic experience brought warriors and their families face-to-face with Spider-Man, Black Panther, the Hulk, and Captain America — all on one stage, where they used their powers in an epic quest to defend the universe from evil.

WWP program gatherings offer settings that provide opportunities for injured veterans to form bonds with one another, their families, and their communities.

"I took my son and invited my twin sister and niece," said Army National Guard veteran Sonya Merkman. "We thought the character actors did a great job. My son and I were glad to see our favorite hero, the Hulk." 

Socializing with other veterans helps warriors connect with the support network they need to overcome the challenges they face. In a WWP survey (www.woundedwarriorproject.org/survey) of the wounded warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.6 percent) expressed they talk with fellow veterans to address their mental health issues.

"Wounded Warrior Project, to me, means support," Sonya said. "This is an organization that my boyfriend, who is also a warrior, and I are grateful for. It allows families to get involved in relaxing and stress-reducing activities."

Wounded Warrior Project is recognizing 15 years of impactful programs and services. Independence Program helps seriously injured warriors live more meaningful lives. (PRNewsfoto/Wounded Warrior Project)

About Wounded Warrior Project:

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. 

⏩ Learn more about opportunities for warriors to connect with each other and their communities at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/alumni.

SOURCE: Wounded Warrior Project

More Related Wounded Warrior Project Stories:

• One Wounded Warrior Project's Supporter Recently Wrote A Song To Raise Support & Awareness For It 
• French Holocaust Survivor Donates $500,000 to Aid American Wounded Veterans 
• #PokemonGo Trainer Travels Across America to Catch 'Em All for Wounded Warrior Project 
• US: Injured Veterans and Families Enjoy North Pole Christmas

"Stop Attacks On Children" [Statement By UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore]

On 3 April 2018 in the Syrian Arab Republic, children stay at a school-turned shelter in Zeyarah village, north of Aleppo city. © UNICEF/UN0207849/Al-Issa (CNW Group/UNICEF Canada)

Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore 

"From the Central African Republic to South Sudan, and from Syria to Afghanistan, attacks on children in conflict have continued unabated during the first four months of the year.

With little remorse and even less accountability, parties to conflict continue to blatantly disregard one of the most basic rules in war: the protection of children.

No method of warfare has been off-limits, no matter how deadly for children: Indiscriminate attacks on schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, abductions, child recruitment, besiegement, abuse in detention, and denial of humanitarian assistance were all too commonplace.

In Yemen, for example, more than 220 children were allegedly killed and over 330 were injured since the beginning of the year as a result of the conflict. Nearly 4.3 million children are now at risk of starvation, a 24 per cent increase over 2017 levels. An acute watery diarrhoea and cholera outbreak which killed more than 400 children under the age of five last year is threatening to claim even more young lives as the rainy season begins and hygiene conditions deteriorate further.

In Syria, hopes for peace remain dim. More than 70 attacks on hospitals and health facilities were verified during the first three months of the year, denying children and families vital health services. Over 300 education facilities have been attacked since the beginning of the conflict. Some 5.3 million children have been internally displaced or became refugees, and nearly 850,000 children continue to live in besieged or hard-to-reach areas.

In Bangladesh, more than 400,000 Rohingya refugee children who survived recent atrocities in Myanmar need humanitarian assistance. As the monsoon season approaches, the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases is higher than ever.

In South Sudan, the first country I visited as UNICEF Executive Director, at least 2.6 million children have been forced to flee their homes. More than 1 million children are acutely malnourished including over 250,000 severely so and at increased risk of death. Although close to 600 children have been released from armed groups so far this year, around 19,000 continue to serve as fighters, messengers, porters, cooks and even sex slaves for the warring parties.

In Afghanistan, more than 150 children were reported killed and over 400 injured during the first three months of the year because of the conflict.

In the Central African Republic, renewed violence over the past few months has forced nearly 29,000 children to flee their homes, bringing the total number of internally displaced children close to 360,000. More than 2 in 5 children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition and one third of school-aged children are now out of school.

In all these countries and many more, committed teams from UNICEF and partners are doing all they can to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable, those separated from their families, terrified and alone, those getting sick in densely populated refugee camps, those on the move in monsoon and unrelenting dry seasons, and those who are starving.

Despite funding shortfalls – we have only received 16 per cent of our funding needs for this year – we are resolutely committed to serving the most vulnerable. We are vaccinating children, treating them for malnutrition, sending them to school, providing them with protection services, and trying to meet their basic needs.

Humanitarian aid alone is not enough. Children need peace and protection at all times. The rules of war prohibit the unlawful targeting of civilians; attacks on schools or hospitals; the use, recruitment, and unlawful detention of children; and the denial of humanitarian assistance. When conflicts break out, these rules need to be respected and those who break them need to be held to account. Enough is enough. Stop attacks on children."

Iraq, 2018: Noor and Sarah walk in the west of Mosul where many buildings have been totally destroyed. "I do not know what happened to my father. He's been missing for three months," says Nour. (© UNICEF/UN0161148/Rfaat)

About UNICEF:

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. 

⏩ For more information about UNICEF, please visit unicef.ca.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 2017: Marie-Pierre Poirier, UNICEF's Regional Director for West and Central Africa, visits the "Baptême et Graduation Des Capoeristes" in Goma. (© UNICEF/UN0126977/Wessels)

SOURCE: UNICEF Canada

Malala Yousafzai joining Islamic Relief Canada to support Girls' Education

Malala Yousafzai (CNW Group/Islamic Relief Canada)

Canada's largest Muslim charity, Islamic Relief Canada, will host Malala Yousafzai for the first time at a fundraising gala in April.

The Nobel Peace Prize recipient is uniting with Islamic Relief Canada to raise funds for Girls' Education projects around the world. 

As a recipient of many humanitarian awards, the youngest Nobel Peace Laureate in 2014, and an honorary Canadian citizen, the now 20-year-old will be coming to Toronto to promote girls' rights to free, safe and equal access to continuous education.

Malala is intimately familiar with the challenges faced by girls around the world as they try to seek an education. She is the author of I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban. 

At only 16 years of age, she received standing ovations for her moving speech on Girls' Education at the United Nations in 2013. 

Zaid al Rawni, CEO of  Islamic Relief Canada says:
"It is a great honor to host Malala Yousafzai here in Toronto. We, at Islamic Relief Canada, know that at the heart of our work is our unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls. One key component of this is that together we must ensure that every girl is given access and the right to an education. Malala Yousafzai will share her story with Canadians on April 12th and encourage all Canadians to support Girls' Education initiatives around the world."

Reyhana Patel, Head of Public Relations at Islamic Relief Canada says:
Around 800 people are expected to attend the event which takes places on April 12th at 5:30pm inToronto, Ontario. Tickets are on sale to the public and can be purchased at: islamicrelief.ca/malala 

⏩ Islamic Relief is an international aid and development charity that aims to alleviate the suffering of the world's poorest people. We are members of the Humanitarian Coalition – an umbrella body for NGOs in Canada whose members are also PLAN, Oxfam, Oxfam-Quebec, CARE, Save the Children and the Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

SOURCE: Islamic Relief Canada

French Holocaust Survivor Donates $500,000 to Aid American Wounded Veterans

Bernard Darty, 83, is compelled to support Wounded Warrior Project this Veterans Day in honor of his family’s 1944 rescue at Normandy.

At age 83, Paris-born Bernard Darty feels fortunate to enjoy time with his family and spend winters in Miami Beach nearly three-quarters of a century after escaping Nazi invaders in France as a child. 

Although he lost his mother to the Auschwitz concentration camp, today he is so moved with gratitude for the American troops who liberated him in Normandy in 1944 that he has made a significant donation of $500,000 to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) this Veterans Day to help U.S. veterans and their families—hoping to trigger a new movement of supporting American veterans.

"In giving this donation, I want to thank Americans with all my heart for rescuing us during the war," Darty said. "The gratitude I feel to these men is beyond words. They were saviors, doling out sweets to half-starved, war-worn children who had almost given up hope of freedom. That is why I want to support American veterans—and why I support America. I hope my donation inspires others to do the same."

• Darty's donation will support two key WWP programs: Warrior Care Network, which connects wounded veterans and their families with individualized mental health care, and the Independence Program, which works with warriors with moderate to severe brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other neurological conditions to ensure each wounded veteran can live as independently as possible.

"We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Darty for his generosity, which will enable us to reach even more veterans, particularly those most in need," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "We serve the most critical needs of our nation's wounded heroes, including those who live with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Thanks to generous supporters like Mr. Darty, we provide them crucial support services free of charge, making a tremendous difference in the lives of wounded veterans of this generation and their families."

Holocaust story illuminates strong ties to America
Darty was born in 1934 to a Jewish family that had fled the pogroms in Poland for France, hoping for safety there. With the German invasion of France in 1940, however, the family was again at risk. 

An older brother was sent on the first convoy to Auschwitz, but fortunately survived. Darty's mother was not so lucky when, on July 16, 1942, the French police led a big round-up of Jews. At 6 am that morning, Darty recalls the police came to the family's apartment. Darty, age 7, was able to escape to an aunt's house that was considered safe, but his mother was sent to Auschwitz and likely died three weeks later. 

Darty spent the next few years living in foster homes on the outskirts of Paris, afraid and living on borrowed time. The day American troops came ashore at Normandy in June 1944, Darty finally felt the relief of freedom.

That was the beginning of his connections to America. Since then, he and his wife, also a Holocaust survivor, have wintered in South Florida ever since his retirement 26 years ago—to which he says, "I have had the chance to meet many American people who I am lucky enough to call my friends. First, Americans saved us, and then 50 years later they welcomed us."

• Darty hopes his donation will deepen that trans-Atlantic connection, inspiring other families throughout Europe to help American veterans in deference to the shared history of the Allied forces of World War II.

About Wounded Warrior Project

• Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. 
• Read more here. 

SOURCE: Wounded Warrior Project

Entertainment One's Daddy Pig Joins Movember Fundraising Campaign

Daddy Pig joins this year’s Movember campaign to encourage UK dads to grow moustaches, get active and raise funds together as a team of ‘expert’ daddies (PRNewsfoto/Entertainment One)

Entertainment One (eOne) unveils images of Daddy Pig, the much loved character from preschool TV series Peppa Pig, who is supporting this year's Movember campaign for the first time to raise funds for the global men's health charity throughout November 2017.

Daddy Pig and friends will be growing their moustaches and encouraging dads across the UK to get active and stay healthy. 

• To donate and keep up to date with Daddy Pig's progress, visit: mobro.co/daddypiguk. 
• Fundraisers are also being encouraged to join Daddy Pig's team to grow moustaches, get active and raise funds together as a team of 'expert' daddies. 
• Sign up at: moteam.co/team-daddy-pig-uk .

The Movember Foundation's annual Movember campaign is globally recognised for its fun, disruptive approach to fundraising and getting men to take action for their health. This year, the charity celebrates its 10 year fundraising anniversary in the UK.

Health and fitness ‘expert’ Daddy Pig is joining in this Movember! 

About the Movember Foundation:  

The Movember Foundation is a global men's health charity.

The Foundation raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund over 1,200 projects focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention.

In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, the Foundation is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and significant moments in their lives.

• The Foundation's vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men's health.

SOURCE: Entertainment One

Bonus Videos:

Alzheimer's Association Honors the Life and Legacy of Gene Wilder With New Campaign Inspired by the Classic Film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"

Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

In honor of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, the Alzheimer's Association today unveils the Pure Imagination Project, a campaign encouraging people to learn more about the disease and join the efforts to fulfill the organization's vision of a world without Alzheimer's. 

Reflecting the creativity and charm of Willy Wonka, as played by legendary actor Gene Wilder, the new video features the famous "Pure Imagination" scene from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," but reinterprets the magical, candy-filled world with sweets disappearing piece by piece, much like the impact that Alzheimer's has on 5 million Americans across the country.

• Gene Wilder, known for many iconic roles outside of Willy Wonka's purple coat, passed away from complications of Alzheimer's last year.

"Alzheimer's disease is a brutal and unforgiving enemy that can rob a person of his self-expression, the ability to walk, to read, to write and to find joy in the world. Simply, the person loses himself," said Karen B. Wilder. "When I saw this campaign, I knew that it brilliantly and beautifully captured all that Alzheimer's can take away, and my hope is that it will motivate people to learn more and to seek to change the course of this disease for future generations."

The Pure Imagination Project was developed pro bono by a creative team at MullenLowe's Winston-Salem office, all of whose families have been touched by Alzheimer's disease. 

• The campaign encourages all to lend their imagination to the fight and support efforts aimed at ending this devastating disease.

In addition to MullenLowe, the Alzheimer's Association's Pure Imagination Project is also made possible thanks to the support of the Gene Wilder estate, Warner Brothers and Universal Music, with visual effects by Significant Others, all recognizing the urgency of this mission and honoring Wilder for his fight against the disease.

"The Alzheimer's Association is honored to have the opportunity to reimagine this legendary film scene in such a powerful and poignant way," said Michael Carson, chief marketing officer at the Alzheimer's Association. "The Alzheimer's Association is relentless in our fight to end this disease through our support of innovative and novel research initiatives, and unwavering support of families who have been affected. This campaign is an inspiring reminder that there is a lot of work to be done, but a world without Alzheimer's is possible if we join together."

"Having lost my father to Alzheimer's, and my mother a year later from the toll of being his caregiver, I know firsthand there is no sugar-coating the impact of this disease," said David Olsen, group creative director at MullenLowe Winston-Salem. "Just as Gene inspired millions to believe anything is possible with the power of pure imagination, we hope this work will inspire others to help fulfill the Alzheimer's Association's mission to imagine a world without Alzheimer's."

The Pure Imagination Project will encourage people to imagine a world without Alzheimer's with additional support from in-kind media partners, including Amobee, Dstillery and Samba TV.

SOURCE: Alzheimer's Association

The Video:

Halloween Partygoers to Raise Money for the IKEA Monkey's Home this Saturday in Toronto

Vegan Social Events, created by Love Wild Live Free, has partnered with UNIVERSEOFÁLI to bring the wonderful world of OZ to life, for their 3rd Annual Halloween Charity Event, benefiting Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary!

The 'WIZARD OF ODDZ' Halloween Charity Event, benefiting Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, is proudly presented by UNIVERSEOFÁLI in partnership with Vegan Social Events, created by Love Wild Live Free. 

Guests will journey down the yellow brick road to find themselves at the historic and exclusive Armour Heights Officers Mess. 

This gala-style, costumed event is Toronto's only vegan-friendly Halloween party. It will bring together party-goers from Toronto's professional and corporate communities, the vegan community, the International and Canadian Military communities and the general public, in a non-judgmental and inclusive space.

The 'Flying Monkeys' Balloon Raffle will rule the sky as guests explore the various themed rooms around the mansion. Guests will be welcomed with appetizers by Chef James Snow of Canada Catering and complimentary tasting items curated by Kupfert & Kim, Panago Pizza, Culcherd, and more. 

Pockets Warhol

The event will include a Silent Auction, featuring paintings by Pockets Warhol, a Capuchin Monkey from Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, whose artwork has garnered attention from worldwide news outlets and celebrities including Ricky Gervais and Dr. Jane Goodall. 

Entertainment will include Candy Warhol of Bangs & Blush and live performances featuring a musical number by event co-organizer, Alexandria Beck of UNIVERSEOFÁLI. 

Beck is an international recording and performing artist and has performed for audiences of up to 60,000 people, including royalty and Heads of State, and opened the first Vancouver Olympic venue. She has been featured on TMZ, CBC, and was the in-house opera singer for the world's foremost luxury department store, Harrods.

• What: 'WIZARD OF ODDZ' Halloween Charity Event 2017
• When: Saturday, October 21, 2017
• Where: Armour Heights Officers Mess, 215 Yonge Boulevard, Toronto
• Time: 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM 
• Event Details: lovewildlivefree.com/blog/halloween-2017

Meet Darwin the “IKEA Monkey”

This event proudly supports Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, home to Darwin the 'IKEA Monkey', a Japanese Macaque whose photo went viral in December 2012, after he was found wandering an Ikea parking lot in North York, Ontario. This 100% volunteer-run sanctuary does important and necessary work, by currently providing a permanent home for 19 primates retiring from biomedical research, zoos, universities, and private residences. 

The exotic pet trade is a growing trend in Canada; according to CTV News, Canada has the worst record in the Western world when it comes to protecting animals. Unfortunately, animal testing for medical and cosmetic purposes still takes place in Canada. As one of two primate sanctuaries in Canada, Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary offers 'freedom from fear', and a place of healing and recovery for primates in need.

U N I V E R S E O F Á L I, is a collective of music, cosplay, and charity. Created by International Recording and Performing Artist, Canadian Military Veteran, Award-winning Cosplayer, and Animal rights and Vegan Advocate, Alexandria Beck.

Love Wild Live Free is a lifestyle blog created by Avra Epstein, a Toronto-based lawyer, animal rights and vegan advocate and creator of Vegan Social Events. Love Wild Live Free has gained a dedicated following and was named by BlogTO as one of "15 Instagram Accounts for Toronto Vegans to Follow."

SOURCE: Love Wild Live Free