VICTORIA - Former University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby player Adam Kleeberger had his brilliant beard shaved off for charity today at the University of Victoria outside of the Student Union Building.

About 500 onlookers and a swarm of media - including CBC's Rick Mercer Report which arranged the event with Rugby Canada - were on hand for the Shear the Beard event.



Kleeberger shaved the beard to raise funds for Movember, is an annual, month-long moustache-growing event held every November that raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research, and for an earthquake relief fund in Christchurch, New Zealand.

To date, almost $2,000 has been raised for Movember while over $3,700 has been raised for the Christchurch relief effort. You can get donation details or donate online to the Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund or to Kleeberger's Movember campaign.

Kleeberger, the iconic Canadian flanker that captured so much attention at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, grew what became a massive beard, both literally and figuratively,  that had people buzzing around the rugby world. The beard gained notoriety after his man of the match performance in Canada's win over Tonga at the World Cup.



"Having the beard has been interesting, but frankly I am ready to have my face back in prep of crafting a Mo," Kleeberger said prior to the event. "It will be good to take this off - but if I can raise money for some good causes as well - then I can stand it for another couple of weeks."

Kleeberger's parents Sylvia and Bruce were on hand for the Shear the Beard event. His beard was shaved off by Matt Conrad from Victory Barber Shop in Victoria (victorybarber.com).

Look for a full video on Tuesday here at govikesgo.com