It's taken on a life of its own and divided a nation – but there's still no guarantee that the beard will be banished!

Carlton Vice-Captain Kade Simpson is on a mission to raise $10,000 for Down Syndrome Victoria. If he gets there he will shave his beard on the Grand Final episode of Before The Game.

Shaver Shop has also come on board and agreed to match the $10,000 if we can get there. 

Social media went into a frenzy when Simmo's Shave was announced, with vigorous debate about whether it should go. #FeartheBeard was soon replaced with #standbybeard while @SimmosBeard demanded an appeal with this:

For his part, Kade Simpson admits he has given the beard a "little trim" here and there, but he remains hopeful of being reunited with his chin before the end of the September. 

So far the tally stands at $7,110 raised for Down Syndrome Victoria. 

To donate to Simmo's Shave, click here.