It's easy to tell when it's October, but not because of the orange, yellow and red autumn leaves. Instead, you know it's no longer September when pink accents on garments and other products start popping up everywhere. Pink is the color associated with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the month-long campaign to raise awareness about and funds for breast cancer research and education. Right now, pink is everywhere--on the web, on the street and even in the air. I just got back from visiting friends in North Carolina and the airline I flew on was offering pink lemonade and pink martinis to raise funds for breast cancer awareness.
Although October has been recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) since 1985, it wasn't until 1993 that the pink ribbon was made the NBCAM's symbol by Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder Companies. Since then, cosmetic, fashion, sportswear brands and many, many others have added their support to the cause. Some companies create products with pink accents to raise money and awareness, while others contribute a percentage of sales during the month of October. Look at any of your favorite shopping destinations and there's a good chance you'll find something specially designed or a special offer to raise funds for NBCAM. Take, for instance, the cosmetics set (above) or the pink ribbon pin (below) from Estée Lauder.
SHOPPING WITH PURPOSE
The cynic might argue that it's good business for companies selling to women to promote their support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, when I surf the web and see so many sites offering shoppers opportunities to join in the effort to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, it seems like a good thing. It's hard (if not impossible) to go through the month without being made aware of the cause. Below is just the tip of the iceberg of creative things being done by online clothing companies and department stores to draw attention and raise awareness for breast cancer research and education...
Land's End is running the Pink Thread Project all month. When a customer requests one of six pink thread icons on any Lands' End item (ie, tote, towel, cardigan or shirt) that can be embroidered, 75% of the $6.00 embroidery application fee will be donated to Breastcancer.org. To learn more, visit...
Nordstrom has specially-designed garments, accessories and beauty products to support the fight against breast cancer, such as this Pandora bracelet set...
Or this Under Armour T-shirt...
Or Adidas running pants...
Or here's one of the specially-design nail polishes for NBCAM from Essie...
Zappos has a wide array of brands offering garments and accessories to supporting breast cancer awareness. To view, visit Shop Zappos: Breast Cancer Awareness - Find Pink Items to Show Support for this Cause!
Swimsuitsforall is showing its support with Breast Cancer Awareness Month - 5% off all sales will be donated to Marysplacebythesea.org + Save up to 40% sitewide at swimsuitsforall.com . Shop Now!
Ann Taylor is donating 50% purchase price of a trio of bracelets to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Click on the promo box below and search "breast cancer awareness" for details.
Lord + Taylor has a special umbrella. For details, visit Exclusive Umbrella: $15 with $50+ beauty order at Lord & Taylor ($5 donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation) SHOP NOW!
LOFT has three ways it's willing to donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Click on the site's promo box below and search "Breast Cancer Awareness."
Talbots has created a special T-shirt and tote to raise awareness and help fund breast cancer awareness. Click on the text below to learn more...
Shop Talbots Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Tee! 100% of Net Proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation!
Shop Talbots Breast Cancer Awareness Packable Pink Tote! 100% of Net Proceeds go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation!
Shiekh Shoes will donate $1 for every pink or fuchsia shoe or accessory purchased at ShiekhShoes.com to help support breast cancer research, prevention and support. Use code PINK14 at checkout to take 15% off all pink and fuchsia shoes and accessories. For details, click: Pink Sale and Donation
If you know other sites where shopper can support breast cancer awareness through their purchases, please share the details in the comment box below.Thanks!
