January 4, 2019

The moustaches have disappeared, but the camaraderie and community spirit remains for students enrolled in Medicine Hat College’s (MHC) collaborative Bachelor of Education program.

Over $2,000 was raised by fourth year students in late 2018 to support Movember and men’s health initiatives. This effort was reflective of the group itself, which is often described by their instructors as a unique cohort with a healthy and supportive dynamic.

“We saw it as a way to bring everyone together and contribute to a good cause,” explains Colton Sutter, who started the campaign with the goal of raising $1,000.

Support for the idea quickly grew beyond the cohort’s eight male students with involvement from their female classmates as well as faculty members.

“We had buy-in from the woman in our group. Some of them have men in their lives dealing with health issues so they really helped us to promote it. Their excitement for the project was infectious” says student Wade Carrier, who was especially impressed by the enthusiasm of the cohort’s younger students.

Not only did the education students bring awareness to men’s health issues on campus, they were able to start conversations in the community during their practicum placements in local schools. The visible nature of Movember provided them with an opportunity to talk to their students about men’s health and the value of giving back.

“The kids thought it was cool,” says Sutter of the reactions they received from students due to the variety of moustaches and beards on display.

“We want people to recognize that we, the next generation of teachers, care about this community. Our cohort did an amazing job and I am so proud of my group.”