16-year Mo Bro Matt Watson just showed up—then helped change men’s health.

To understand the kind of man Matt Watson is, you first need to understand his dad, Stu "The Iceman" Watson. Stu always showed up. Whether it was his daughter's ringette games or Matt's basketball tournaments, he was always there on the sidelines, cheering them on with an amazing moustache to match. So when Matt signed up for his first Movember, it was never a question of whether he'd keep showing up. Sixteen-plus years later, the father-son duo has built a legacy future generations will be inspired by.

The start of an all-time run

Matt wasn't drawn to Movember by a personal health scare. He saw a cause that championed men's health, sparked real conversations, didn't take itself too seriously and he jumped right in. Newsletters. Merchandise. Creative fundraising themes built on the legend of the Iceman himself. Family, friends and colleagues rallied behind him, and together, Matt and his dad have raised nearly $300,000.

That's not just enough to earn him a seat in the Movember Hall of Fame. That's enough for an entire set of bleachers.

Putting in the work—at work

Since 2010, Matt has been a proud CIBC Mo Bro, part of a fundraising juggernaut that has raised $6.34 million since 2008, including $433,000 from 133 members last year alone. Movember is embraced from the top down and the bottom up at CIBC, with stair climbs, hot wing challenges broadcasted over Teams, charity auctions and mental health talks proving that fun and a culture of care run through the building's halls. The top fundraiser even takes home a beautiful brown corduroy jacket, complete with patches lining the inside marking each year and winner's name.

And through it all, Stu was there. "It is so fun to bring my pops to Toronto, visit the CIBC trading floor and Movember headquarters, and have my friends and colleagues, including most recently the CEO of Movember, greet him as the Iceman to his face. Now that’s respect!”

It's always about the ones closest to you

Now celebrating his 50th birthday, 20 years of marriage to Maggie, and three kids growing up fast, Matt's reason for doing Movember has only deepened. It started when he was building his career at CIBC and starting his family at the same time, and Movember's message hit close to home.

"I wanted to make sure I was doing everything possible to stay healthy and be there for my family, present for every moment, big or small, just like my pops was for me," he says. "And maybe by sharing my stories and being open about men's health, it might inspire others to act as well."

These days that means coaching rep basketball, cheering on volleyball tournaments and showing up for every school play. The same way the Iceman showed up for him.

Movember has also opened doors Matt didn't expect. "In recent years, by being open and honest, I've been able to have incredible conversations that have helped me as a parent, husband, coach and friend," he says. "Promoting a focus on mental health and open dialogue among guys just makes sense, and it can make a real difference for men of all ages."

Thinking about signing up? Take Matt's advice.

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Worst case: you end up with a questionable moustache for a month. Best case: you find something you're passionate about to share with family and friends for years to come."

Sixteen years ago, Matt Watson grew a moustache with no idea he'd end up in a Hall of Fame, that his dad would become a legend, or that he'd play a real part in changing the face of men's health.

He just showed up. Every year.

This Movember, you can too.

Sign up now