Every Nov., men around the world can be found growing beards to celebrate the tradition of No Shave November. The tradition originated in Australia in 2003 by 30 men who nicknamed the month “Movember,” with “Mo” being a shortened version of the word moustache. One year later, they started raising funds for charity by using their facial hair as a walking advertisement for world-class men’s health programs that fight against prostate and testicular cancer.

People constantly ask the Movember organization how growing a moustache can raise money for charity. Men who are growing moustaches, also referred to as “Mo Bros,” register at Movember’s official website, www.us.movember.com and email friends and family in an effort to find sponsors that are willing to donate money to keep the “Mo Bros” from shaving. Additionally, Movember puts on events and fundraisers to raise awareness for their cause. Some people form teams for Movember and fundraise together to make more money. In 2012, there were over one million registered “Mo Bros” who raised about $147 million for health programs that research testicular cancer and prostate cancer.

Movember is currently active in 21 countries and its registered “Mo Bros” have donated to 20 different charities that support men’s health research. According to the Global Journal, Movember is in the top 100 charities in the world. This year, the organization raised $96 million for over 560 programs that promote research for men’s health.