Need Advice re: Susan G Komen

[OakLeaf]

I'm glad they helped Bridget. I don't think anyone said Komen never helped anyone ever. But you know, emotional appeals are no way to judge a charity, and just because I feel genuine empathy for Bridget doesn't mean I'm required to feel any sympathy for Komen.

[Pedal Wench]

Never said anyone had to be empathetic. I know that I personally needed a reminder of the good to erase the anger and frustration I felt last week. Bridget put it back in perspective for me. I donated a huge chunk o' change to PP last week, and now I can move forward in fighting cancer.

[Wahine]

Just another post to say that I will not buy anything associated with SGK foundation.

While I believe strongly in supporting charitable organizations, I won't keep supporting one that has lost sight of charity should be about, compassion for all people in need and supporting the other organizations around trying to do good work as well, not suing them.

I supported many of the SGK events in the past. Then I stopped when I got wind of how little donor money makes it to research etc.

I supported Athletes for the Cure for a couple of years. Then I got wind that they were threatening other organizations with lawsuits. I no longer support this organization either.

A lot of these organizations started out doing the right thing, with all of the best intentions. But that doesn't mean I'm going to continue to support them when they are no longer behaving ethically.

There are a ton of ground roots charities out there to support where your money and/or time have a much better chance of making the world a better place.

[MomOnBike]

Chiming in late here.

Even before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I would not have been inclined to buy the branded, over-hyped pink Stuff. Don't like the color, really didn't like the guilt trip.

When I was diagnosed, I rather surprised myself and decreed that I would NOT appreciate any *&%%^$##@!!! pink anything. (I requested hats, instead).

My opinion has not changed. I'd not buy any SGK stuff, ever.

[Boudicca]

Also late to the party here, but and I signed up for these forums (after lurking for a while) just to answer this thread. I am also a survivor (horrible word), and I have participated in a number of extremely successful conquer cancer rides, with another one coming up in June. Hell, I even have pink "cancer sucks" socks to wear on them. But I won't buy stuff with the SKF logo, and I think TE selling that logo adds a political dimension to your sales that you might not want.

Do let us know what you decide.

[Susan Otcenas]

Do let us know what you decide.

It was a difficult decision, but ultimately we did decide to cancel the order. One of the reasons it was so difficult is that I personally don't have a strong negative feeling for Susan G Komen. In truth, I'm pretty ambivalent on the whole topic. While I abhor the politics that may have played into their decision to pull funding for Planned Parenthood, I also do feel that the org does a lot of good for people like Bridget and has passionate supporters like Pedal Wench.

No matter which way I go, I'm "taking sides" publicly, which is something I hate to do. I prefer TE be apolitical (even if I personally have very strong opinions on all kinds of things I try not to share them publicly for obviously business reasons.) I suppose I could have made a very quiet decision to simply cancel the order and no one would have been the wiser, but I really value the opinion of all of you, and I didn't just want to *assume* that the overwhelming majority would feel one way or the other.

The broader discussion that you all have been having surrounding ways in which companies choose to support charities has been an interesting read as well. TE's charitable giving using to be somewhat haphazard at best. Then, in 2008, we became a member of 1% For the Planet. http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/en/ We give 1% of SALES (not profits, but SALES) to environmental charities. That is a huge financial commitment for us. It's not a gimmick, and we don't sell any specific marked-up or overpriced merchandise associated with it. We simply give away 1% of everything that comes through the door. Its a great program for us and has really helped us frame our priorities as a company. If you've shopped with us, you may have noticed that on the checkout page after you process your order, you are given the chance to vote where YOUR 1% goes. There's a list of all the organizations we support, and you can decide where we send the 1%.

So, while we won't be supporting the SGK program through the vendor's apparel, I hope it's nonetheless clear that we're still trying to be a conscientious member of the community.

[Pedal Wench]

One can only respect the time and effort it took to reach your decision. Trust me, I put my money where my mouth is ALL the time, and I tend to support quite a few different charities. To be honest, buying a jersey wouldn't contribute much, so I will donate to SGK, Planned Parenthood, and anyone else I personally find deserving. Everyone should do the same.

For the vast, vast, vast majority of y'all who don't want anything to do with SGK, please consider donating to some other breast cancer charity. Do your homework and find one you consider worthy. Everyone deserves a lifetime.

[salsabike]

I hope it's nonetheless clear that we're still trying to be a conscientious member of the community.

It sure is, and we thank you wholeheartedly.

[maillotpois]

Then, in 2008, we became a member of 1% For the Planet. http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/en/ We give 1% of SALES (not profits, but SALES) to environmental charities. That is a huge financial commitment for us. It's not a gimmick, and we don't sell any specific marked-up or overpriced merchandise associated with it. We simply give away 1% of everything that comes through the door.

So impressive! Thanks so much for doing this!!