The first use of the pink ribbons goes back to fall of 1991 by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, when they where handed out to the participants of a race for breast cancer survivors in New York City. It was officially adopted the next year in 1992, as the symbol for the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Evelyn Lauder a breast cancer survivor herself, senior corporate vice president of Estée Lauder then created a ribbon to be distributed in stores in New York. The movement took off!
Have you ever seen the pink and blue ribbon? This one was created in 1996 to bring awareness to the fact that both women and men are afflicted by this. It is more rare in men but it does happen, I have a brother in law who is a survivor. Both he and his wife fought the disease and won.
Along with Estée Lauder there are now a countless number of companies that produce pink colored products to be promoted and sold during the month of October to remind us to give to the cause. How much are these companies contributing? It's hard to say but one thing is certain, it makes us feel good when we purchase something pink!
Just imagine if all companies gave 100% of all the proceeds these products brought in to the cause like M.A.C does with it's Viva Glam campaign for AIDS, what a difference it would make!
Estée Lauder...
Avon...
O.P.I Pink of Hearts...
From what I've read, O.P.I will donate $25,000 to the Susan G.Komen Foundation and $5,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer Canada. This is one of the most popular items in the blogosphere but honestly I think O.P.I could give a little more...
There will be countless pink offerings in stores, from kitchen appliances to snow removing brushes. It's hard to tell how much those companies contribute so one has to be selective. If you really want to give to the cause...
On this site you can find a list of products from brands recognised by the Foundation, here.
Every province as several associations with special events worthy of getting your pennies so again, given the fact we don't know exactly how much of our money goes to the cause, this could be the way to go but at the same time, giving one something pink to a breast cancer survivor can be a very nice touch.
