Trinity College Students Launch Unique Movember Campaign

Students at Trinity College Dublin are taking a creative approach to their Movember fundraising efforts by introducing a gender-flipped version of the iconic Rose of Tralee pageant. This year, the Movember committee aims to surpass last year’s impressive fundraising total of €60,000, with plans to raise between €8,000 and €10,000 for Movember Ireland through a series of events throughout November.

The flagship event, dubbed “The Rose of Trinity,” will see male representatives from various campus societies compete for the title during the annual MoBall on November 19, 2023. This initiative is not only designed to entertain but also to stimulate discussions around crucial issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention.

Innovative Campaign Concept

The idea for the campaign emerged during last year’s exam period, when committee members Katy Brady and Emer Munnelly sought a fresh and engaging way to participate in Movember. “We were looking at what other colleges did for charity weeks and saw one that riffed on the Rose of Tralee,” Brady said. “We thought it was hilarious and realized it would make a brilliant Movember campaign.”

In total, twelve participants, each representing different clubs and societies, will take part in the competition. These include sports teams and the Fashion Society. The contestants will be styled by 35 Vintage, and sponsorship has been secured from several brands, including McKeever Sport, Louis Copeland, Cole Swan, and Foxes Bow.

The event promises a night filled with entertainment, featuring challenges, talent rounds, and interviews, all filmed by a professional crew. The footage will later be edited into a multi-part mockumentary to be shared across Trinity’s social media platforms.

Creating Conversations Around Mental Health

For Max Mannion, Vice President of the TCD Movember Committee and one of the Roses, the campaign holds significant meaning. He noted that flipping the traditional gender roles associated with the pageant helps to destigmatize discussions about mental health among men. “Putting this gender flip on it kind of destigmatizes that for men and then by extension can destigmatize talking about mental health,” Mannion explained.

Feedback from fellow students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing support for the campaign’s unconventional approach. Mannion added, “Students are saying it’s a great idea and a great way to break that barrier among men.”

The Rose of Trinity night is part of a broader series of events under the theme “Why We Mo,” which blends fun with reflection. In addition to the mockumentary, the committee will host an exhibition in the Trinity Atrium, showcasing art, photography, film, music, and poetry that explores masculinity. This exhibition aims to foster creativity and provide a platform for students to submit their work.

Brady emphasized the community aspect of the campaign, stating that the exhibition will reflect on the collective efforts of students over the years. “It’s a celebration of everything we’ve built as a community,” she said.

A Legacy of Creative Fundraising

The Movember committee has a history of inventive fundraising activities, including “Take Me Out” nights and pay-to-pie-your-friend stunts. Brady recalled her involvement in previous campaigns, highlighting the positive impact they had on raising awareness. “It raises awareness in a whole new way, and in a fun way,” she noted.

As the campaign unfolds, the committee remains optimistic about the potential for both fundraising and raising awareness around important health issues. With events like the Battle of the Bands and the Movember exhibition planned alongside the MoBall, the students of Trinity College Dublin are set to make a significant impact this Movember.