When did Movember begin? Global event supporting men's health has raised over $1B since inception

SACRAMENTO — There is a good chance you know someone who's growing out their facial hair this month. Most people know it as No-Shave November — or Movember. 

It's a fun way to raise money for charity that's become a worldwide fad. 

Since Movember started, it's raised over a billion dollars to help fund programs for prostate and testicular cancer as well as suicide prevention. 

"We want men to take ownership of their health, support each other in their health," said Tim Gnaneswaran, the U.S. director for Movember. "We want to have those hard conversations and we want men to stop dying so young." 

When did Movember start? 

Gnaneswaran said it was 2003 and two guys were in a bar in Melbourne, Australia after one of their friends had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

"They thought, 'You know, people don't wear mustaches much anymore. Let's grow some mustaches. Let's raise some money,' " Gnaneswaran said. 

Why has Movember grown so much? 

Gnaneswaran added that mustaches were not typically in fashion before Movember began, but now that it is fashionable, "you see a lot of men jumping on board."   

"Something that's a month long, that's fun, that's unique, that can get the conversation started, I think, is really appealing," Gnaneswaran said. "And I think we're addressing a lot of men's health issues." 

If you're interested in donating and learning more about Movember, click here.