How to Tell if Your Pink Product is Legit
Tell us: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where will you be shopping?
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Before you plunk down your green for some pink, the nonprofits behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month want you to check the label.
Jenna Glazer is director of development for Young Survival Coalition, a global organization dedicated to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. She said that buyers need to be on the lookout for a label or tag that details where the money from the purchase goes.
"If you walk into Bed Bath and Beyond and see something with a pink ribbon, and no information about where the money is going, chances are it doesn't benefit the cause," she said.
Glazer said the best way for consumers to ensure the pink products are legit is to visit the website of the nonprofit to see it's list of partners. On YSC's website visitors can see it lists Oakley among its partners and that for each pair of awareness-themed Oakley sunglasses sold, $20 goes right to the nonprofit which offers resources, connections and outreach to young women with breast cancer.
If you think a pink product is suspicious or you are wondering about the relationship between the company and the cause, give a call to the nonprofit. Representatives we spoke to were happy to verify who's really giving.
Local shops where you can speak to the owner, and verify their charitable claims, are another option.
Does your favorite shop have a pink product? Tell us in your comments or upload a photo by clicking the green upload button.
Diane
3:24 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
To Uncle Moe....can you show us where your facts where found???
Tara P
8:30 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
You can't necessarily tell from the tag or signage. Some nonprofits will not allow their name or logo to be used if the partner cannot guarantee a minimum donation. Many smaller partners or mom-and-pop stores are unable to make a guarantee, so they have to raise funds with a generic tag and then make a donation at the end of the promotional period to the charity of choice. You can ask the store where they are donating and then verify with the nonprofit.