On every third Friday starting Oct. 19, InsightfulEvents.com will host an event called DOC Illumination.
The charity event features a documentary film screening, guest speakers, workshops and DJs focusing on alternative ways to prevent cancer.
The event’s organizer, Risa Roumeliotakis, says she hopes the event will entertain and educate people about how to prevent cancer.
“I wanted to do something that would bring people together who are open to learning new alternatives and participate in making a difference in their communities,” said Roumeliotakis.
According to a study done by an American research organization called The Environmental Working Group, more than a quarter of all personal-care products sold in the United States may cause the carcinogen para-dioxane, which is toxic to the human body.
Numerous household cleaners and cosmetics on Canadian shelves also contain cancer-causing agents but are banned in Europe.
Roumeliotakis hopes this event will help people understand the products they use and their effects on the human body.
“If furniture cleaner or bug spray can kill an insect on contact, then it’s killing us too,” said Roumeliotakis.
She also says her inspiration for the event came from this month’s film Chasing the Cancer Answer with the CBC’s Wendy Mesley.
Roumeliotakis feels the film provides insight into a side of cancer that is not often explored.
“Everybody knows that your environment affects your health but nobody came out and said it. No one explored it but she did and exposed a lot of things,” said Roumeliotakis.
The evening is scheduled to start off with a potluck dinner of healthy vegetarian dishes followed by one or two documentary films on cancer prevention.
Around 10:00 p.m., guest speakers provide workshops related to cancer that are meant to educate and inspire people about natural alternatives.
DJs and surprise guests then take the stage until 3:00 a.m.
October’s guests include Caterva Lumen, a duo who perform with crystal balls which give off a resonance said to have healing powers.
The event runs until April 2008 and Roumeliotakis thinks it will be a success with the public.
“This is what we’re living and if I can educate and entertain at the same time, that’s a plus,” said Roumeliotakis.
Tickets for DOC Illumination are a donation of $15 or $25 with the chance to participate in the raffle of numerous prizes.
For more information, check out the events website and calendar at:
www.insightfulevents.ca
