HAMILTON, Ont. - For the duration of November, student-athletes, coaches and support staff from the McMaster Marauders participated in the annual Movember campaign to raise awareness of men's health issues including men's mental health, prostate cancer, and men's suicide.

"Together, we participate in Movember to create real change for men's health," collectively said members of the McMaster baseball team. "By growing out the lip, we know we're supporting one another as a team, along with millions of others around the world. With so many of us feeling the impact of men's physical and mental struggles, we want to continue creating awareness and contributions to a problem that matters."

Every November participants of the charitable campaign grow facial hair to support and raise awareness for the cause. According to its website, Movember started with 30 moustaches and has grown to over 5 million, while becoming one of the world's leading foundations for men's health awareness.

"This year, I had the honour of stepping up and leading the men's volleyball team's Movember efforts, alongside Quinn Levinson," Movember team captain Ben Kerkhoff explained. "[…] This year, the men's team was able to rally after a massive fundraising effort last year and raise over $8000. This brings our total to over $20,000 in 2 years. I am extremely proud of my volleyball teammates and the effort they put in to not only raise funds but raise awareness and get conversations started about men's health."

Marauder student-athletes demonstrated how important the campaign is to them and as a community fund raised $31,361. The men's rugby team raised a total of $13,482 through exercise challenges, guest speakers, and raffles. The men's volleyball team also collected $8126.31 through fundraising and running drives. The Marauders baseball team also raised an incredible $7,317.

When speaking to David Zhou, McMaster men's rugby Movemeber co-captain, alongside Ryan Trotman, Zhou explained his passion and participation in the campaign. 

"The focal point of Movember has personally been raising awareness for men's health" says Zhou. "As a first-generation immigrant, the concept of men speaking on their vulnerabilities has continued to be an extremely taboo topic. There continues to be an absence of advocation for men's health in East-Asian Countries, as the cultural definition of masculinity in these nations ostracize men who may be battling physical or mental health issues. […] I continue to participate in Movember on a yearly basis because I want to continue to spread awareness and provide resources available to men, even if it reaches out to only one additional guy. Because I would want him, and every father and grandfather present in the world to know, that it's okay to not be okay."

Movember has been a growing movement since its inception in 2003, and to date, the organization has funded 54 different inventions, 70 therapies and 107 diagnostic tests for prostate cancer, while growing its impact and spreading its reach daily.

"Movember is a movement that really hits home with me," explained Aiden Muldoon, a fourth-year rugby player. "After losing my father to cancer earlier this year, the mental and physical toll it took was significant to put it lightly. My hope is that through this organization's efforts, significant progress can be made in both the physical and mental health spectrum."

"I hope that anyone going through situations similar to mine, or anyone struggling in that matter, can look at Movember's efforts this month as a sign of support, and recognition of their struggle" added Muldoon.

When it comes to supporting each other and the impact of health, the Marauders show up. Through the awareness and funds raised, the Marauders have made in an annual goal to make a large impact on changing the face of men's health.

"Movember is an effort that has been annually successful due to the outstanding young men that make up the varsity athletics culture of the university and it is an honour to contribute to the future of men's health alongside them all," Kerkhoff remarked.

Teams are reminding the McMaster community that Movember should serve as a reminder to check in and start the important conversations regarding mental and physical health, to make sure that men can live happier, healthier, and longer lives.

To read more about Movember and the impact of the fundraising, check out https://ca.movember.com/