You may have walked around the halls and seen many students looking more shaggy than usual and wondered why. It’s because November has arrived and that means that it is time for No Shave November.

No Shave November originated in Australia by a group of men back in 1999 but didn’t become popular until 2003.

It was originally called Movember, Mo meaning mustache, and it was actually a month long campaign where the men would shave their beards but would let their mustaches grow.

It was started to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer which affects 1 in every 6 men. Movember evolved and in the U. S. is an actual organization that helps in the fight against prostate and testicular cancers.

Although No Shave November has been around since 1999 many people still don’t know exactly what it is for and they simply do it because friends chose to do it.

“To be honest I don’t exactly know,” senior Luis Vera confided. “I know it has to do with helping fight cancer, but I’m not sure.”

There are many charities that are involved in No Shave November along with websites where people can donate.

In 2003 the Australian creators of Movember were unable to raise any money, but in 2004 they raised $55,000. The number of supporters began to grow and now there are about 260,000 supporters worldwide. In 2009 the supporters were able to raise $42 million in donations.

As No shave November has increased in popularity, more and more people are getting involved including many of Leyden’s own students.

“We heard about No Shave November by our friends that graduated last year,” Vera said. Ever since, me and a group of friends have been wanting to do it and we finally did it this year.”

When Movember hit America it became No Shave November because Americans decided not to shave their beards either.

No Shave November is not only for men as many women participate by not shaving their legs.

No Shave November ends on December 1st when everyone shaves.