Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? I learned this recently from reading some lingerie blogs that I follow, as well as because I am being bombarded by companies telling me that if I buy their product, they will donate proceeds to the cause this month.

That is when I hear the scrrrrreeech of tires in my brain. What? Hold up. This multi-million dollar business is going to donate 25c of each sale to Breast Cancer? Woo hoo, off to the store ASAP, pull out my credit card and call me a donor! (that is sarcasm in case you missed it).

I mean really, think about it – if you want to make a difference, do you really need to go buy someone so that only PART of your money goes to the charity? Or would you prefer to go directly to the they charity and donate the same amount you would have spent on that shirt/chocolate/bra/coffee? That way at least, your money – ALL your money – goes to the cause and not mostly to some multi-millionaire’s pocket…..

I don’t know if I am seeing it askew, but if these companies truly wanted to help, then maybe make their donation a full donation. No, I am not suggesting that they send their profits from an entire month (although imagine how amazing that would be!) – I am suggesting that for one day in the month, donate all the money that comes into your stores for a particular product. That way they donate not just their cost, but their profits too – for one day….a true donation. It’s win-win don’t u think? Maybe there are powers I don’t know about in business, but my whole stance is that if you are going to support a charity or donate, then TRULY do it – donate without expecting a charitable receipt, do it anonymously and graciously – THAT, my dear, is true charity.

You may or may not agree with my opinions here, but whether you do or not, please do support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the best way you can – donate directly (through the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation website) , if you can afford it, and don’t forget to raise awareness in your own household by setting a weekly reminder to examine yourself (yes men can have breast cancer too!) for lumps and bumps.

How are you choosing to be aware this month?