The women in my online breast cancer support group are split on this… it seems those of us 3-4 years out of treatment are sick to death of the pink ribbons, and we see it as shameless product promotion, the newbies are into it for awhile. We try to educate our members as to who does the most for breast cancer research – and encourage them to make a cash donation – not buy a pink wigget that only sends pennies to research.
I was glad to finally see a reputable writer, Susan Reimer, to write about this issue. Charity Navigator is a website we all should use before buying or donating money to any cause. So many of these “retailers” think they can slap pink (or any other “color” definitive) on any product as a pure marketing ploy. KUDOS to Susan Reimer.
Please do not get me wrong – I’ve had four close family members diagnosed with breast cancer; one fought as hard as she could for a long time and then she had total peace as she died – the other three are living well with cancer and I fully expect we will all be rocking in chairs as old ladies together!
It is always a two edged sword. One side speaks to the generosity and good will of people and the other says that we who are breast cancer patients/survivors have to raise the money to find a cure. It would seem that our government, caring for our general welfare would better spend its tax money on finding a “cure” rather than sending men and women into harms way to establish a nebulous “democratic” state in an area that still lives and breathes tribal alliances.
I thought it was weird to see a cake spatula with pink ribbons printed on. I think it’s unfortunate companies are profiting from what was once a noble cause. The sign with it said “10% of all proceeds are donated.” That’s nothing! I know some people think all the profits are donated, but they are horribly mistaken. I also think it is strange that we have heard nothing else in the media from the scientists that discovered a way to destroy cancerous cells in breast tissue without harming the surrounding tissue.
I was just wondering the other day if anyone has researched how much money has been donated to cancer research and programs through these promotions. I agree that it is too much–cause marketing on overload.
I don’t understand why there is a problem with an increased percentage of merchandise going to charitable organizations. Yes, they are labeled with pink ribbons, but the marketing ploy is working. Pink now is associated with breast cancer awareness, and products are easy to choose for those who want to make a difference. I’m sickened by the companies who donate such a minute percentage, and use the pink ribbon icon for their own benefit. There’s no need for irratiblity though; if you don’t fancy pink oreos, pink M&Ms, or other pink products…there are plenty of plain merchandise still out there. Some donation is better than none.
I think the article is ridiculous. I am a two time breast cancer survivor and every cent taht goes to research, treatment, or support of breast cacner and it’s patients is wonderful. Yes some of the companies give “only ” 10% but that is way better than nothing . Our government sure as hell doesn’t give 10%. I want a cure.
Comment by Dragonflygal — October 2, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
I am always sceptical about promotion of any product or symbol to help find a cure for a disease. My mother was dianosed with cancer and when I sought out help and information from these supposely “legitimate cancer charities”, the only thing I received from one of many was a brochure and a donation card-(to donate to their organization). Even when I spoke to a representative of one these “cancer charities” about what they do to help cancer patients and their survivors and the only thing they could say: We provide them only with information. Why do I need to donate to a charity when I can find the same if not more information about cancer on the internet. It is distressing for the patient and the family member suffering with a disease like cancer.When they say its to help scientists find a cure, look at how much they give. I dont believe them in all their advertising. For example, Americans who suffer from HIV/AIDS pay at a minimum $1000 dollars a month for medications. Why would a chemical company who produces drugs for cancer and HIV/AIDS give up $1000 dollars of earnings per person and find a cure? That would be a death sentence for them. I would like to see a picture of the president and their chairman’s houses and automobiles posted on their internet website, so that we can really see where our donations are going to.
Comment by thunderbolt — October 3, 2007 @ 12:40 am
As the Montreal Volunteer Run Director for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure I search out companies who donate to our Foundation. Each time someone sees the Foundation logo it causes awareness about this desease that will affect 1 in 9 Canadian women in their lifetime, and will take the life of 1 out of 27. Shame on those “copycat” associations or companies that use the words Breast Cancer to promote their products when in fact a very little of the money raised goes towards, education, research or helping survivors and their families. HBC sells a line of pink products, however they are HONEST and say that only 10% of profits go to the Foundation. If I need kleenex,yogurt, a travel mug or a spatula, I may as well buy one that helps in the fight to end Breast Cancer. Just be sure to search out the Official Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation logo. On Sunday September 30th, The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure raised over 26 million dollars …with the help of our sponsors, some of which are the CIBC, McCain, Revlon and Ford who advertised the Run for us at NO cost. They pay big bucks to be associated to the Cause. So buy pink products, just buy wisely!
Comment by Geneviève Charette — October 5, 2007 @ 9:48 pm
I say congrats for getting to the point that when people see a pink ribbon they think breast cancer awareness, shame on any company who misrepresents the mission of finding a cure. I am a 12 year veteran diabetic and hope to one day have the publicity about diabetes awareness month (November) as popular as breast cancer awareness month. Be thankful people at least know the month exists. In my recent ribbon campaign to promote diabetes awareness over half the people I gave them to did not know November is diabetes awareness month. There were very little publicity about it and we have a american diabetes asssociation in our city. Shop smart and continue to fight for the cause.
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The women in my online breast cancer support group are split on this… it seems those of us 3-4 years out of treatment are sick to death of the pink ribbons, and we see it as shameless product promotion, the newbies are into it for awhile. We try to educate our members as to who does the most for breast cancer research – and encourage them to make a cash donation – not buy a pink wigget that only sends pennies to research.
Comment by Karen — September 17, 2007 @ 8:48 am
I was glad to finally see a reputable writer, Susan Reimer, to write about this issue. Charity Navigator is a website we all should use before buying or donating money to any cause. So many of these “retailers” think they can slap pink (or any other “color” definitive) on any product as a pure marketing ploy. KUDOS to Susan Reimer.
Please do not get me wrong – I’ve had four close family members diagnosed with breast cancer; one fought as hard as she could for a long time and then she had total peace as she died – the other three are living well with cancer and I fully expect we will all be rocking in chairs as old ladies together!
Comment by Becky — September 25, 2007 @ 7:02 am
It is always a two edged sword. One side speaks to the generosity and good will of people and the other says that we who are breast cancer patients/survivors have to raise the money to find a cure. It would seem that our government, caring for our general welfare would better spend its tax money on finding a “cure” rather than sending men and women into harms way to establish a nebulous “democratic” state in an area that still lives and breathes tribal alliances.
Comment by Annie — September 25, 2007 @ 10:12 am
I thought it was weird to see a cake spatula with pink ribbons printed on. I think it’s unfortunate companies are profiting from what was once a noble cause. The sign with it said “10% of all proceeds are donated.” That’s nothing! I know some people think all the profits are donated, but they are horribly mistaken. I also think it is strange that we have heard nothing else in the media from the scientists that discovered a way to destroy cancerous cells in breast tissue without harming the surrounding tissue.
Comment by Monica — September 26, 2007 @ 3:10 am
I was just wondering the other day if anyone has researched how much money has been donated to cancer research and programs through these promotions. I agree that it is too much–cause marketing on overload.
Comment by Melanie — September 26, 2007 @ 8:59 am
I don’t understand why there is a problem with an increased percentage of merchandise going to charitable organizations. Yes, they are labeled with pink ribbons, but the marketing ploy is working. Pink now is associated with breast cancer awareness, and products are easy to choose for those who want to make a difference. I’m sickened by the companies who donate such a minute percentage, and use the pink ribbon icon for their own benefit. There’s no need for irratiblity though; if you don’t fancy pink oreos, pink M&Ms, or other pink products…there are plenty of plain merchandise still out there. Some donation is better than none.
Comment by Sierra — October 2, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
I think the article is ridiculous. I am a two time breast cancer survivor and every cent taht goes to research, treatment, or support of breast cacner and it’s patients is wonderful. Yes some of the companies give “only ” 10% but that is way better than nothing . Our government sure as hell doesn’t give 10%. I want a cure.
Comment by Dragonflygal — October 2, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
I am always sceptical about promotion of any product or symbol to help find a cure for a disease. My mother was dianosed with cancer and when I sought out help and information from these supposely “legitimate cancer charities”, the only thing I received from one of many was a brochure and a donation card-(to donate to their organization). Even when I spoke to a representative of one these “cancer charities” about what they do to help cancer patients and their survivors and the only thing they could say: We provide them only with information. Why do I need to donate to a charity when I can find the same if not more information about cancer on the internet. It is distressing for the patient and the family member suffering with a disease like cancer.When they say its to help scientists find a cure, look at how much they give. I dont believe them in all their advertising. For example, Americans who suffer from HIV/AIDS pay at a minimum $1000 dollars a month for medications. Why would a chemical company who produces drugs for cancer and HIV/AIDS give up $1000 dollars of earnings per person and find a cure? That would be a death sentence for them. I would like to see a picture of the president and their chairman’s houses and automobiles posted on their internet website, so that we can really see where our donations are going to.
Comment by thunderbolt — October 3, 2007 @ 12:40 am
As the Montreal Volunteer Run Director for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure I search out companies who donate to our Foundation. Each time someone sees the Foundation logo it causes awareness about this desease that will affect 1 in 9 Canadian women in their lifetime, and will take the life of 1 out of 27. Shame on those “copycat” associations or companies that use the words Breast Cancer to promote their products when in fact a very little of the money raised goes towards, education, research or helping survivors and their families. HBC sells a line of pink products, however they are HONEST and say that only 10% of profits go to the Foundation. If I need kleenex,yogurt, a travel mug or a spatula, I may as well buy one that helps in the fight to end Breast Cancer. Just be sure to search out the Official Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation logo. On Sunday September 30th, The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure raised over 26 million dollars …with the help of our sponsors, some of which are the CIBC, McCain, Revlon and Ford who advertised the Run for us at NO cost. They pay big bucks to be associated to the Cause. So buy pink products, just buy wisely!
Comment by Geneviève Charette — October 5, 2007 @ 9:48 pm
I say congrats for getting to the point that when people see a pink ribbon they think breast cancer awareness, shame on any company who misrepresents the mission of finding a cure. I am a 12 year veteran diabetic and hope to one day have the publicity about diabetes awareness month (November) as popular as breast cancer awareness month. Be thankful people at least know the month exists. In my recent ribbon campaign to promote diabetes awareness over half the people I gave them to did not know November is diabetes awareness month. There were very little publicity about it and we have a american diabetes asssociation in our city. Shop smart and continue to fight for the cause.
Comment by Angie — December 8, 2007 @ 8:08 pm