SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – A group of vibrator manufacturers and a female-centric retailer have banded together to raise funds for research during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S.
For nearly for four decades, retailer Good Vibrations has been a source not only of adult toys, but also a resource for accurate information about sexuality and sexual health. This year, the company has partnered with We-Vibe, Jopen, JeJoue, Vibratex, Pleasure Works and Jimmyjane to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Coalition, which has set a deadline of Jan. 1, 2020 for ending breast cancer. According to the coalition, more than 425,000 women worldwide will die of breast cancer in 2013 alone. In the U.S., 2013 will see the loss of 39,620 women and 410 men to breast cancer.
The Think Outside the Pink campaign hopes to change the frightening statistic by donating 10 percent of the revenue from sales of specific products to the NBCC.
Though the traditional color of the breast cancer awareness movement is pink “Good Vibrations gladly includes products of any color in the movement to raise funds for NBCC,” a company statement noted. “Whether you are surviving cancer and having to reinvent or rediscover your sex life or are an ally and loved one of someone fighting breast cancer, we are partnering with key vendors to raise funds to go directly to NBCC.”
Through Oct. 31, Good Vibrations’ customers can show their support for the breast cancer fight by purchasing products including We-Vibe 3, Pyxis from Jopen, Fifi by JeJoue, Mystic Wand from Vibratex, the Gyro-G by Pleasure Works, and Jimmyjane’s Form 3. In addition, Good Vibrations has established an online donation center where the public may contribute to the cause. One hundred percent of all financial gifts tendered through the GiVe Partner page will go directly to NBCC.
“The idea of working with our vendors to make a difference was so natural, and everyone was delighted to participate,” Good Vibrations Senior Buyer Coyote Days said. “It’s great to offer these high quality, ecorotic items in a way that actually affects positive change. And that makes everyone feel good.”
Formed in 1991, the National Breast Cancer Coalition has one mission: to end breast cancer. NBCC has accomplished much over its 20-plus years by funding scientific and medical research, forging new collaborations to design research and set priorities, expanding access to information and care to underserved women, and establishing training programs to prepare advocates around the globe to work side by side with scientists, policy makers and healthcare providers.
NBCC is dedicated to grassroots action and advocacy. The organization supports increasing funding for breast cancer research, monitors how the funds are spent, expands access to quality healthcare for all and ensures trained advocates influence all decision-making that impacts breast cancer.
The Good Vibrations-NBCC nonprofit partnership highlights Good Vibrations’ longstanding commitment to women’s health and well-being, according to Good Vibrations Executive Vice President Jackie Strano.
“It has been wonderful to collaborate with our vendors on this meaningful promotion,” she said. “We appreciate the work NBCC does. We are proud of our company’s core mission, vision and values, and this campaign brings those principles directly to our customers in a fun and engaging way.”
Good Vibrations frequently partners with local and national non-profit organizations. By donating products, advertising and sponsorship for fundraisers, along with a percentage of retail sales, the company has provided much needed support for women’s shelters, HIV/AIDS research, art programs, LGBT benefits, sexuality education and disaster relief, among other things.
“We’re especially excited that [NBCC’s] terrific work includes advocacy training so that women themselves be such a powerful influence for fighting breast cancer,” Good Vibrations Staff Sexologist Dr. Carol Queen said. “Just as Good Vibrations’ focus has always been empowering women to be the true experts about their own sexuality, NBCC makes sure women’s voices and experience are central to this critical health issue.”
Webmasters can support the effort and earn a commission on sales at the same time by joining the company’s affiliate program, which pays a revenue share of up to 25 percent.
