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8 Purchases That Benefit Breast Cancer Research
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, make an impact with more than just buying products. Plus, learn ways to help the cause beyond shopping and beyond the month of October.
It's almost impossible to miss pink ribbons in marketing come October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it's a good reminder that our purchases have the power to make an impact. If you or someone you love has been affected by breast cancer or you simply want to help the cause of finding a cure, consider these items that benefit breast cancer research.
We've read the fine print on these products so you don't have to, but as with any cause-related marketing campaigns, always keep in mind who the money is going to, which purchases are eligible (sometimes it may be just one color and for a short time period) and how much money will be donated.
S'well bottles keep your drinks at just the temperature you want them in a stylish bottle you'll want to show off. The company will donate 20 percent of the retail price of each Geode Rose, Pink Topaz and Bikini Pink bottle sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
BUY IT: S'well, $25-$45
Aerie will donate 100 percent of U.S. sales of its limited-edition hot pink sports bra with removable pads to Bright Pink, which works to prevent breast and ovarian cancer in young women and help detect it early. All sales from the matching high-waisted leggings will be donated to Bright Pink, as well. In Canada, sales will support Rethink Breast Cancer, which also helps young women battling the disease.
BUY IT: Aerie, $17.97 (was $29.95)
The Spiral Sun Charm Bangle was designed to remind you to go with the flow and accept where life brings you. Until Dec. 31, Alex and Ani will donate 20 percent of the purchase price from each charm sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, toward a minimum donation of $50,000.
BUY IT: Alex and Ani, $22.80 (was $38)
Brighten someone's day with this gorgeous bouquet of pink roses, spray roses, carnations and alstroemeria. Fifteen percent of the purchase price of each bouquet will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
BUY IT: Teleflora, $55 and up
Handful has breast cancer survivors in mind at literally every step of their product design and merchandising process: Breast cancer survivors are automatically entitled to a 30 percent discount on all bras and activewear and free foam inserts that can serve as prosthetic breasts. They also offer bras that are easier and more comfortable to wear for women recovering from surgery. They even have a full-time director of survivor relations who leads the brand in supporting survivors at every step of the way. Handful donates 12.5 percent (the percentage of women who battle breast cancer) of the revenue of every Battle Cry Pink bra sold year-round to the Young Survival Coalition.
BUY IT: Handful, $54
Carolina Hererra designed this limited-edition t-shirt to for the 20th anniversary of Saks Fifth Avenue's Key to the Cure campaign. Saks will donate 100 percent of the sales of this shirt in October to the Alliance for Reconstructive Surgery, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000.
BUY IT: Saks Fifth Avenue, $35
This limited-edition moisturizer from Aveda is packed with the essences of 25 plants and flowers. Aveda claims that andiroba oil and other hydrating plant-based ingredients will protect your skin's moisture barrier even through washing your hands three times. Aveda will donate $5 from the purchase price of each bottle to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, up to a total of $325,000.
BUY IT: Aveda, $26.50
Other Ways You Can Help:
If you want to help the cause but can't or don't want to buy products in order to do so, there are still many ways you can help. Here are just a few.
1. Donate directly to a non-profit like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. You won't get a new shirt or water bottle out of it, but you can write off donations to non-profit organizations on your tax returns come 2019.
2. Support businesses that donate a certain portion of their profits to research causes. Travel company Adventure Women, for example, will donate five percent of their profits in the month of October to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Year round, they donate 50 percent of the profits from their online gear store, where they sell high-quality performance jackets, tops, bottoms and accessories from brands like Patagonia, Eagle Creek and Outdoor Research.
3. Educate yourself. If you can't afford to donate or buy products right now, take the time to figure out how to best protect yourself against breast cancer and how to catch it early. Knowing that breast cancer exists doesn't do a whole lot to actually protect you. Research factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer and prevention and early detection, and help inform your family and friends. Encourage loved ones to make a point of visiting the doctor at least once a year.
