HAMILTON, Ont. - The McMaster Marauders are kicking off their second annual 'Giving Tuesday' challenge, aiming to raise funds that will enhance the student-athlete experience and foster a culture of growth and development. On Tuesday, November 29th, the Department of Athletics & Recreation is participating in Giving Tuesday and asking alumni, the McMaster community and Marauder fans alike to consider giving towards its future with a financial gift by visiting marauders.ca/GivingTuesday.
"Like so many Marauders before them, our student-athletes are living out their dream of playing elite university sport at one of the top universities in Canada" says Shawn Burt, Director of Athletics & Recreation at McMaster. "Maximizing opportunities for equity deserving groups and increasing the diversity of its student-athletes, staff, and support networks continues to be a top priority of the department."
Financial contributions will help to deliver program enhancements both on a team-by-team basis and also in broad, transformational areas impacting all Marauder programs. Supporters can choose to invest in a specific team by visiting one of the program-specific giving pages, or can make a difference for all student-athletes by giving to the Marauder Priority Fund, which will seek to ensure that student-athletes continue to be supported by world class mental health experts as they balance the many competing priorities in their lives.
Investigating additional opportunities around nutritional coaching, sleep consulting, leadership development, increasing access to wearable technology, and increased out-of-province and out-of-country competitive experiences will ensure McMaster puts distance between its programs and their OUA/U SPORTS peers.
"These enhancements are critical to the success of all Marauder teams, now more than ever" adds Burt. "I hope Marauders everywhere will consider making a gift that will directly impact the lives of our student-athletes as they strive to achieve their dreams."
The McMaster community rose to the challenge in 2021, the first year of the Giving Tuesday campaign, raising more than $43,000 towards enhancing the student-athlete experience and providing additional opportunities for growth and development on and off the field of play - for student-athletes like Max Turek and Meghan Mazer.
"Running has allowed me to build discipline both as an athlete and student, and forge strong relationships that will surpass my years at McMaster" says Turek, Marauder cross country student-athlete and 2022 U SPORTS National Champion. "I am so grateful for the support of our donors, and for setting us up for success both in the classroom and on the track. This support means so much to us and we can't thank you enough!"
Mazer, a fifth-year student-athlete on the women's tennis team, says the impact donors can have on long-term success of current and future Marauders is immeasurable.
"Competing at a university level is a privilege afforded to very few athletes" says Mazer. "Not only has the McMaster student-athlete experience bettered me as a player, it has shaped me as a leader and formed life-long friendships. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to compete in this community, and it would not be possible without the support of our donors. On behalf of myself, my teammates, and all McMaster student-athletes: thank you for helping us do what we love."
The department exceeded its initial goal of $30,000 in 2021, finishing the campaign with $43,394 (or 144% of its mark) in financial support from alumni, fans, family, community members, and anonymous donors, which made a direct impact in mental health priorities, off-season training opportunities, equipment purchases, and additional resourcing leading into the 2022-23 calendar.
