Creative Commons License photo credit: smthcriminal29
Curious about the recent surge in pink products and breast cancer awareness promotional items? Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) is only a few days away, and organizations including the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and others are busily preparing for annual walks and fundraising drives. In 2011, it is estimated that 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will develop among American women alone. Additionally, 39,520 breast cancer deaths are anticipated by year’s end. It is the most common cancer in women worldwide.
The likelihood that several employees and/or customers of your business have been affected by breast cancer in some way is high, as hundreds of thousands of Americans suffer from the disease themselves, know someone who is currently or has battled it, or have lost a loved one to it. Your brand can support awareness and fundraising efforts in a number of ways. From forming a team to participate in a local breast cancer walk to selling breast cancer awareness promotional items at your store with proceeds going to breast cancer research, any action you choose to take will make a difference. For more Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotional ideas, check out Kim’s “Think Pink!” blog post in our archives.
Although now is an ideal time to capitalize on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don’t forget about the plethora of other individuals and groups in need of resources in your community and beyond. “Cause marketing” is a popular approach to corporate social responsibility, and sends a stronger message than a simple monetary donation.
By encouraging your organization to partner with a deserving non-profit organization, both parties can reap the benefits of increased awareness and improved brand perception. According to the Cone Millennial Cause Study in 2006, 89% of Americans between the ages of 13 and 25 responded that they would be willing to switch from one brand to another brand with a comparable product and price if the latter brand was associated with a “good cause.” A non-profit organization aligned with a for-profit business stands to benefit from exposure to a new audience (the for-profit brand’s customer base), as well as financial backing and exposure via previously untapped marketing channels.
So what are you waiting for? We can’t wait to hear about your upcoming cause marketing initiatives and help you find the perfect promotional items to complement your ideas!