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In the name of men’s health, grow some facial hair!

To raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues like initiatives for prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and general male physical inactivity, the Movember foundation is launching a number of challenges to members and the public, not the least of which includes dedicating the month of November to growing a moustache.

The foundation invites all interested individuals to register on their site.

Growing facial hair as a sign of prevention is an initiative launched by the Movember Foundation as a way to support men’s health. The idea sprung from a conversation back in 2003 between a group of Australian friends and since then Movember has become a global charity committed to “Men living happier, healthier, longer lives”.

In the past 10 years, the Movember foundation has collected 485 million euros to finance their global action plan that includes over 1,000 programs that focus on four key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.

In order to raise funds and awareness, the association organizes a number of events including a race to grow and groom your moustache through the end of November. Men (Mo Bros), supported by women in their entourage (Mo sistas) are invited to form teams with their neighbors, friends or colleagues before setting out to grow a moustache.

Following “Shave day” scheduled November 1, the association holds “Moruns” that allow members to raise funds via their personal “Mo Space” site.

To combine generosity, humor and friendly social interaction, fun and quirky events are held day and night (gala dinners) at the end of November featuring moustaches and costumes to wrap up the campaign period. Every year in November, a number of celebrities take part in becoming a “moustache hero.”

The organization is also launching a Move challenge that incites members to walk or take part in any physical activity of at least 30 minutes for 30 consecutive days. Athletes involved in the challenge are welcome to share their own initiatives and motivate family members and friends to participate in order to meet fixed targets.

In 2014 in 5 million people took part in the Movember initiative across 21 countries.

For more information on the organization and their events: movember.com