I grew up in a home where charity was a mandate. Even at a very young age, when my allowance was $.25, my parents insisted that I put a nickel a week in an envelope to donate to charity. My Dad, busy with his law practice, was President of our Temple, President of the Red Cross Brooklyn chapter, and involved in countless other organizations. My mom, a full time housewife, was out every day involved in extensive community service. I was schooled in the concept that those lucky enough to have are required to give back. It was not an option.
This is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a marketing powerhouse for the Lingerie business. Susan G Komen has become a ubiquitous presence on this landscape. The pink ribbon born with this organization’s inception is omnipresent. There has been a great deal of controversy around the Komen group and I commiserate with some of it. There is a responsibility to one’s birthright that must be attended. However, no one can deny that in the 25 years since its inception, Komen has put Breast Cancer Awareness front and center. And from awareness comes action. Women are better off for this and credit needs to be given where credit is due.
I still believe in the viability of the Komen Awareness effort, even though I would like to see changes in their infrastructure. Unfortunately, when organizations grow large, it is not always easy to maintain focus on the original mission.
This is why, I feel compelled to highlight The Wacoal Breast Cancer initiative available to consumers through November 1. Wacoal is not only a large company who has managed to maintain its humane objectives in every facet of which I am aware, they are also one of the most charitable in the market. Big supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness, they have been partnered with this objective in mind with the Komen organization for 15 years. Hosting countless events to raise awareness, they are continuing now with their “I Got Fit” campaign.
Yes, there is marketing involved. This is a business, after all. For every Awareness bra purchased they will donate $2 to Komen. This should be an easy mark. The Awareness bra has been cited as one of the top selling bras in America. But it is the increase in Wacoal’s charitable donation when a woman has a fitting in a Wacoal bra with NO PURCHASE REQUIRED that ups the ante. Adding some social media moxie, the offer is increased more with the brand’s “Selfie” initiative (Learn more on line). Wacoal’s bra fitters will use this Retro-Chic vintage inspired style, my personal favorite, in all their fittings. Highlighted in an earlier blog, this design has passed the test of time, becoming a brand icon, stunning, supportive, feminine and fitting 32-44, D-I cups.
I speak for others, I am sure, when I say that I truly wish there were Awareness campaigns of this magnitude for other forms of cancer that afflict both men and women. My sister-in-law died 5 years ago this week from anal cancer. Throughout her journey, she complained to me that there was so little support for her disease. Without awareness, it is hard to apply pressure to fund research
Whatever one believes about the efforts different organizations make to bring knowledge to the forefront, it is important to remember that publicity helps to highlight a cause. I would hope it is done with good intentions, but we all must remember that no complicated subject can be simplified by one perspective.
“The Ultimate Value of Life Depends Upon Awareness
and the Power of Contemplation Rather than Upon Mere Survival” ~Aristotle
