October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), an annual campaign to increase awareness of this horrible disease.
The most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, except for lung cancer. Statistics reveal that 1 in 8 women (about 13%) in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer throughout their lifetime. This year alone, over 43,000 women in the states are expected to die from the disease.
The good news is that the overall death rate from breast cancer decreased by 1% per year from 2013 to 2018. These decreases are thought to result from treatment advances and earlier detection through screening, thus proving a need for advanced research and continued support. With October being Nation Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there is no better time to step up and do your part to increase awareness and help raise funds to find a cure.
There are many ways your salon can support breast cancer awareness efforts and help raise funds in the fight for a cure. Here are the top 10:
Go Pink – Support brands and distributors that donate to breast cancer research. Look for those products sporting the BCAM pink ribbon, packaging, label, or seal and specifically state how they contribute. For example, some brands donate a specific amount (such as $1 for each product purchased), while others may split their proceeds or donate an unspecified amount.
Display it – This time of the year, many product manufacturers create a pink version of an item for promotion. And with pink being a very popular color, the product typically flies off the shelves. This is an excellent time to support pink products and the fundraising effort behind them. Consider creating a small display in your salon with signage supporting the promotion and how amounts or percentages were donated, and to what organization(s).
Create Your Own Promotion – Use products of your choice and donate whatever fixed amount or percentage you are comfortable offering. Like above, create a display and sound off about your efforts so your clients will step up to purchase in support of a good cause.
Donate Services – Consider donating a portion of your overall service sales for a specific day, week, or month. Or choose a particular service and create a donation accordingly. For example, for every deep treatment, you could contribute 25% of the sale to a breast cancer research fund.
Donate Tips – Pick a given day in October and donate all tips to a relief fund.
Create a Raffle – Give away prizes donated by your salon and other local businesses in exchange for selling raffle tickets. All proceeds would be donated accordingly. You could even do an interactive display where those who bought and posted a pink ribbon can contribute in the name of a specific survivor if they wish. Imagine your reception area or front window decorated with all of the ribbons in support of such a great cause. Your clients feel good for donating, and your salon will look good for supporting them.
Do a Cut-a-Thon – Set aside a portion of a day for a special fundraising event. Ask team members to donate a couple of hours of their time, then offer patrons a quick haircut or trim in exchange for a minimum donation.
Collection Pot – You can always go old school and take up a collection at your front desk. In this case, it’s best to partner with a local organization and get permission to use their name/logo on the collection pot, so your clients know where the money is going.
Participate in Fundraisers – Take part in walk-a-thons and other fundraisers by local chapters of national organizations. You volunteer your time to both walk the event and get sponsors for your effort.
Wear Pink – If you or your team cannot participate in any fundraisers for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, show your solidarity by making pink a fashion statement. Supply pink shirts for your team to wear throughout the month, or ask them to use whatever they have in their wardrobe that works with the theme. You can also take your hair pink, all over, or just a few high or lowlights – then watch to see how many others follow in support.
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