Movember kicked off with a blade and shaving cream on Thursday in the Student Centre, as students and faculty received their ceremonious shave and braced for a month of moustache growing.

“I feel great! It’s the best feeling,” said student Mitchell Goodwin after getting rid of his stubble. Professional barbers brought the barbershop onto campus with straight blade shaves for the price of a donation to the Movember cause, which raises awareness and funds to fight prostate cancer.

The Mohawk Students Association is upping the stakes this year, creating a competition for the most money raised as well as facing off students versus faculty.

The guy that raises the most money for the MSA team will win a PlayStation 3 and a 40-inch television. Even ladies are in on it-the girl that raises the most will win a $750 shopping spree for the Mapleview Mall.

“Girls can definitely get involved even if they can’t grow a moustache,” said MSA President Andy Hall, who was one of the first in line for a shave on Thursday. “Cheer it on and support the guys!”

Building and Construction Sciences professor Kevin Haluik had a few inches of beard buzzed off for the movement and said the competition adds to the fun of a good cause.

“I’m going to raise money for the faculty side,” said Haluik, “just to make sure we crush all these students and the pitiful beards and moustaches they try to grow!”

Each of the participants has their own reason for growing a moustache this month, some for the cause and others just for the fun. Student Christiaan Nobels said he’s in it because “I’m a guy. It’s important.”

To join the student Movember team, go to movember.ca and search for “Mohawk Students Association”.

(Edited by Steve Spriensma)