StFX Athletics closed out their Movember fundraising campaign with a $1095 contribution to the overall StFX University initiative which reached over $13,000.
The annual campaign which raises funds for men’s mental health and prostate cancer featured 27 participants from StFX Athletics athletes and staff, along with four ‘Mo sisters’ who lent their support to the cause as well. The campaign was coordinated by marketing and communications intern Leah Chisholm.
Photographs of the participants weekly facial hair growth was
captured on the StFX Athletics Facebook page.
"Movember always holds a huge place in my heart because it is a
tradition that will help support prostate cancer research for years
on end,” commented X-Men cross country runner Scott
Donald.
“I participate every year because I get to help raise money and awareness for the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men while showing off my undeniably beautiful facial hair,” he continued. “The goal is that someday prostate cancer will have a cure and we'll all be growing our furry upper lip in celebration of the lives we've saved."
Joining Donald in the fundraising campaign was Dave Benoit, Mat MacDonald and Shane Coupland from X-Men basketball; Brennen Wray, Bronson Maschmeyer, Cole Grbavac, Mitch Taylor, Ryan Fortune, Ted Stephens, Morgan Clark and Nathan Chiarlitti from X-Men hockey; Randy Ribeiro and Max Maund from X-Men soccer; Zach Benson, Cullan Fitzgerald, Jeff McQuade, Chris Shibley, Mark Thomas, and Owen Thompson from X-Men football.
Mark Thomas from the football team commented, "I participated in Movember for the support of prostate cancer, and I had fun taking weekly pictures throughout the month."
Also contributing from the StFX Athletics staff were X-Men hockey assistant coach Erin King and assistant GM Richie Connors, X-Women hockey head coach David Synishin and assistant coach Ben Berthiuame, along with three event staff members: Andrew Rafton, Nick Davidson and Geoff Boudreau.
The X-Women ‘Mo sisters’ consisted of rugby athletes Emma Taylor, Angelina MacLellan and Natalie Lesco along with X-Women hockey forward Alex Normore.
Chisholm was pleased with the response from the athletes, staff and coaches and hopes to build upon both the number of participants and the total funds raised for 2014.