(NECN: Brian Burnell, Quincy, Mass.) - With bitter cold temperatures out there, shaving your head might not sound too appealing.

Most employees at Granite Telecommunications in Quincy, Mass. went to work Monday morning with a full head of hair, but some will look very different when they return home.

About 415 employees, men and women, shaved their heads to help beat cancer.

The company will be donating about $2.1 million to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Granite CEO Rob Hale said it all started with an employee's idea and grew.

Hale shaved his head as well. "It'll probably be cold for the next couple of days, but it's for a great cause and I'm happy to help," said Hale.

Hair from some of the employees will be donated to Locks of Love. The non-profit uses the hair for wigs for children undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments to help restore confidence and self-esteem.

The Gillette Company donated razors and other supplies.