Each November, something silly happens to men’s faces around the world. The bearded are shorn and start anew to allow a new kind of facial adornment takes shape above their upper lips. For 30 days, men celebrate the mustache in all it’s glory. But this period of growth is not just for vanity’s sake; it’s for charity. The brave men of Movember grow a wooly stache to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer.

In a true test of endurance, men put aside vanity for 30 days like a hunger strike, or an Ironman athlete forgoing french fries. Let’s be honest, not everyone is Burt Reynolds, and a mustache could look silly. And growing one for 30 days is serious. But know your journey is a righteous one. In the U.S., all money raised is donated to LIVESTRONG and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. In other countries, the money is donated to local cancer charities. In fact, Movember is the world’s largest fundraiser for prostate cancer. That’s nothing to sneeze at.

The idea behind the fundraiser is that by growing a mustache, you create a conversation piece right smack in the middle of your face. People will certainly ask about it and you can take a moment to explain that you’re raising money for charity.

Last year, I raised $800 for Movember (which was matched by my company) and while I aimed for a badass cop stache, I was kindly told by my friends that I looked more like Ned Flanders than Tom Selleck. But I pushed through the difficult times, the jokes, the teasing, and the odd stares.

During those 30 days, I learned a lot about myself. For one, I’m not follicularly blessed and I can’t grow a full mustache in 30 days (one day, I’ll grow up to be a real man!)! Thankfully, there was also a strong sense of brotherhood among Mo Bros (guys participating in Movember). We had about 35 people in my office grow them and we supported one another along the way – the tears, the triumphs, the complicated company matching form. I encourage every man to give it a go whether you can grow a mustache or not! But be warned, it’s not for the weak!

Still need another reason to give it a go? When else do you get a free pass to grow a mustache? Most people are forced to wait until they have a significant amount of time off from work (hopefully a vacation). Your wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, boss, or parents can’t deny the good intentions of raising funds for a worthy cause – even if they aren’t big fans of a furry upper lip. Instead of demanding that you shave, they’ll be forced to support your fundraising efforts.

By Day 30, with your mustache in full bloom, you can walk down the street with your head held high as the wind blows through your whiskers. You’ll feel confident that you’re saving a prostate or two — not to mention a few pairs of helpless testicles. And in major cities, you’ll be invited to attend a Movember party where you and your mustachioed brethren will congratulate one another on a job well done!

Now go forth and grow!

To sign up or learn more about Movember, visit Movember.com