Shopping pink is fashionable during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, and when retailers and designers donate a substantial portion of product sales to the cause, your purchases become more than symbolic.
Last year the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s corporate partners, which include fashion and beauty companies such as Tory Burch and Estee Lauder, funneled more than $28 million to breast cancer research, funding nearly 100 grants across the nation.
The annual QVC Presents FFANY shoe sale has generated more than $47 million for various institutions, including this year’s beneficiaries, The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Breast Oncology Program.
H&M U.S. has donated nearly $1 million to the American Cancer Society since its partnership with the society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative began in 2006.
For the greatest impact from our shopping dollars, we look for promotions that funnel a high percentage of product sales to the cause or that guarantee a minimum sum will be donated. All of the aforementioned are among our favorites for 2015. Here’s why:
Throughout October, H&M will contribute 25 percent of the purchase price of selected women’s and home products, including a mod floral minidress and a shaggy pink pillow, to the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative, up to $70,000. Customers also can donate at the register. Sales of other special products contribute to the cause. Supporters also can join walks through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, whose events across the nation raise more than $60 million for the American Cancer Society each year. See www.makingstrideswalk.org/h&m
If you’re never bought a single item through a home-shopping channel, QVC’s FFANY Shoes on Sale might make you a convert. On Oct. 22, QVC, in partnership with the charitable foundation of the Fashion Footwear Association of New York, will feature a sale of approximately 150 styles of shoes donated from more than 80 brands such as Vince Camuto, Nine West and Badgley Mischka. They will be sold at half the suggested retail price — with a minimum of 80 percent of the proceeds benefiting various breast cancer research and education institutions.
Throughout October, QVC will feature a special online collection and will unveil the Shoe of the Day on the air each weekday at 3 to 5 a.m.
We have our eyes on the Vince Camuto Parshell leather knee-high boots with studs marching up the back. But there’s a pair for every taste and lifestyle. Be ready to pounce when the three-hour sale starts at 2 p.m. qvc.com. Afterward, shoes will be available while supplies last through QVC.com, the QVC apps and by calling 800-345-1515.
The BCRF catalog is brimming with fashion, beauty, fitness and home items, but among our favorites are new additions from Tory Burch. This year’s limited edition accessories include a pale pink tote, print scarf and zip-pouch key fob. She is donating 20 percent of the purchase of each product (priced from $32 to $295) to the foundation, up to $35,000. All pieces are available in October at Tory Burch boutiques and online at www.toryburch.com
Also on the www.bcrfcure.org/shop-pink site will be Alex and Ani’s Spiral Sun expandable wire bangle from the Charity by Design collection. Referencing the sun’s nourishing warmth, the bangle with charm is $38, and 20 percent of the purchase price will go to the foundation, with a minimum donation of $25,000. It’s available now through December at Alex and Ani retail locations, www.alexandani.com
