NORTH BAY -- Students at Nipissing University are raising money and awareness for men’s health during the month of November.
The university is specifically highlighting prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Each year millions of men around the world grow out their moustaches during the month of November in support of "Movember."
According to Statistics Canada, the suicide rate for males is three times higher than the rate for women.
"Participating in this initiative gives us the platform to speak to male-identified students who may not know about resources they can access on campus or within the community. This campaign is extremely important as it brings awareness to the need for men to take their health seriously, get checkups with their doctor, know what to look for, and speak out," says Charlotte Foster, Nipissing University Student Union Vice-President of Advocacy & Awareness.
According to the Movember Foundation, one in seven Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, while testicular cancer continues to be the most common cancer in young men.
The Lakers volleyball teams will be hosting their third annual "Movember Match" on Nov. 9 against the McMaster Marauders. The women's team plays at 12 p.m. and the men's team plays at 2 p.m. in the Robert J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre.
"We are excited to be working with NUSU on the Movember campaign again and hosting the Movember Match to raise money and awareness for this project," says Nipissing Lakers Men's Volleyball Assistant Coach Dan Miller. "It is a cause that is close to many of our students, particularly our athletes, and we look forward to continuing to break the stigma surrounding men's health."
The student union will also be co-hosting a Zumba night on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at The Summit, and the requested $2 donation will go to the Movember Foundation.
If you wish to make a donation to the NUSU Movember team, please go to https://ca.movember.com/team/2298419.
