Do pink ribbon products help breast cancer charities?

How much of a pink product’s price goes to charity?

It ranges from a large share to very little. Common arrangements are a fixed amount per item, a percentage of the price or of profit, or a single donation that the company makes whatever it sells. Some promotions have a cap, so the charity gets nothing more once a total is reached.

What does the law say about pink promotions?

Under section 60 of the Charities Act 1992, a business that says charitable contributions from a sale or promotion will go to a named charity must give a statement clearly showing which charity benefits, and the amount, or an estimate of the amount, of the price or proceeds it will receive. If a product does not say, ask the company.

Source: Charities Act 1992, section 60 (legislation.gov.uk)

What should I check before I buy?

• Which charity benefits, by its full name?
• How much goes to the charity per item, and is there a cap?
• What will the money pay for: research, support services or screening?
• Is the charity genuine? Look it up on the official register.

Source: GOV.UK and Charity Commission: Donate with Confidence

Are pink ribbon products a bad thing?

Not necessarily. Many raise real money and start useful conversations. Critics use the word “pinkwashing” for promotions that give very little, or that put a pink ribbon on products that have little to do with health. The fix is simple: know the numbers before you buy.

What is the most effective way to help?

If you want your money to fund breast cancer work, giving directly to a charity means all of your gift reaches it, rather than a share of a product’s price. With Breast Cancer Charity, every £25 can fund one complete breast screening for a woman in an underserved community who has never been examined.

Source: Breast Cancer Charity: how we estimate the cost of a screening