Do you have your blue tie yet?

By Cole Hobson - City Views Column - Times & Transcript
Published Monday February 8th, 2010

Kudos to Prostate Cancer Canada, as the group has launched a unique fund-raiser that is sure to get people talking and taking notice.

They have unveiled a signature blue tie, created by Dion Neckwear, which will be sold across the country, with proceeds going towards research into the deadly cancer.

If you check out their website, you can tell the idea is to start to develop a universal symbol, much like the pink ribbon represents breast cancer. And what better than a necktie to symbolize a cancer that research shows will afflict one in six Canadian males?

It's a shocking stat and this previously unmentioned disease is sure to get more and more press going forward.

Many have already unofficially renamed the month that falls before December as "Movember," which represents another unique Prostate Cancer Canada initiative. Men across the country have been growing mustaches during the month of November in an effort to raise money for prostate cancer. It is an event which produces some truly hideous facial hair, but gives research and prevention efforts a lot of much needed publicity.

Whoever came up with the idea should be commended for such creativity. It's easy enough to figure out ways to raise money, but to do it in a creative and fun way that gets people talking and is instantly recognizable is another thing altogether.

Back to the signature tie, Moncton has been chosen as a select city to unveil the money-raising neckwear, with a special event to be held Feb. 16 at Vie Tapas & Lounge.

The event is being spearheaded by Jeff Garcia of Zachary Samuels menswear, who is selling the ties out of his store on 229 Collishaw St. for $65.

Typically, Prostate Cancer Canada asks that the ties be sold for $65 and $50 be returned to the organization, giving retailers a cash incentive for carrying and selling the items.

Garcia, who lost his father to prostate cancer 30 years ago, is giving the entire $65 to the foundation, which seeks to push forward on research and prevention techniques. It's just another case of a Moncton resident showing extreme generosity in the name of a good cause and the event will certainly become another local success story.

The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. at Vie Tapas & Lounge, which is located on 196 Robinson St.

There will be wine and cheese and donated door prizes available to be won. There will also be ladies' scarves on sale for $45. Those interested in attending are asked to e-mail viemoncton@gmail.com to register. Space is limited and those attending are asked to either have purchased one of the signature ties in advance, purchase one at the event or to make a donation to prostate cancer research once on the site. For more information, call Jeff Garcia at 383-8779.