Need Advice re: Susan G Komen

[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.

[jobob]

Thoughtful discussions like these make me proud to be a part of the TE community. It's a privilege to know you ladies (albeit virtually, for the most part).

Just sayin'.

[Pedal Wench]

Thoughtful discussions like these make me proud to be a part of the TE community. It's a privilege to know you ladies (albeit virtually, for the most part).

Just sayin'.

I was just talking about that too. I was very obviously in the minority, but felt that this was a great debate, and made me more firm in my conviction to support SOMETHING, ANYTHING, to make a difference.

I'd stopped checking in here for a while, but glad I came back!

[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.

[OakLeaf]

It sure is, and we thank you wholeheartedly.

+ a million!

[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!!