HAMILTON, Ont. - The McMaster Marauder community rallied around its student-athletes last week for the second annual 'Giving Tuesday' challenge, raising a total of $76,662 that will be towards enhancing the student-athlete experience and providing additional opportunities for growth and development on and off the field. 

  

The department far exceeded its initial goal of $45,000 as McMaster varsity teams received financial support from alumni, fans, family, community members, and anonymous donors. Supporters were given the opportunity to make a difference in a program of their choosing, as each Marauder team had a funding page set up to collect donations and participated in helping promote their campaigns.  

 

Financial contributions will be used to help to deliver program enhancements both on a team-by-team basis and also in broad, transformational areas impacting all Marauder programs. 

 

"Building a culture of sustained success requires the support of many individuals - coaches, athletic trainers, administrative staff, professors, alumni and – of course – our donors" said Shawn Burt, Director of Athletics & Recreation at McMaster. "We are so grateful for the tremendous support that our community showed Marauder student-athletes this week. Without the support of these generous donors, none of this is possible." 

 

The Marauder Cross Country & Track team raised a staggering $24,631 thanks to the selfless generosity of 21 donors. 

 

"Running with the McMaster Cross Country and Track teams under Paula, Pete (and Rory) was the highlight of my time at Mac" says 2016 graduate Madeline McDonald. 

 

"The complete support we got in every aspect allowed us to be focused and committed to our pursuits in academics, athletics and otherwise. I am donating back to the McMaster Cross Country and Track programs because I want the support to continue, and future athletes to benefit in the same way." 

   

As part of the Giving Tuesday challenge, the Department of Athletics & Recreation added five unique fundraising challenges as incentives to help support teams in need and drive engagement in the initiative. 16 McMaster teams reached $1,000 in donations, which earned them an additional $500 in matching funds: Nordic Skiing, Cross Country & Track, Fencing, Swimming, Baseball, Football, Golf, Men's Lacrosse, Men's Rugby, Men's Volleyball, Men's Water Polo, Women's Curling, Women's Basketball, Women's Soccer, Women's Volleyball and Women's Water Polo.. 

 

$2,500 matching fund bonuses were also awarded to Cross Country & Track (most $ raised), Men's Lacrosse (most donors, 45) and Women's Soccer (most first-time donors), while Baseball and Women's Curling earned a $1,250 bonus for receiving the most perpetual gifts. 

 

"Being a McMaster Marauder is not a status or a title, it is a set of values and shared experiences" adds McDonald. "Now in the professional world, I often use the Mac Women's Cross Country team as a gold standard for teamwork. As a teammate and captain, I learned lessons in grit, perseverance, leadership and facing disappointment. We supported and cared for each other; we were a second family. The teammates and rivals I ran with have become lifelong friends."