October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it's easy to find pink ribbon merchandise and fundraisers to support those with the cancer and to further education and research, but the Better Business Bureau wants consumers to be sure they're donating to the real thing.
"What we want consumers to know before you donate is to shop smart," said Simone Williams, with the BBB serving Metro Atlanta, Athens and Northeast Georgia. She said consumers raise millions of dollars each year for breast cancer charities. "Some companies donate a portion of a sale of a specific item designated with pink ribbons or packaging. When shopping for pink ribbon items, see if the promotion is transparent about which charity it will benefit and how much of the purchase will be donated."
Williams said to watch out for vague claims benefiting unspecified charities.
Williams encourages consumers to give their money to products and companies that meet charitable giving standards. She said the BBB has 20 charity standards as part of their giving alliance. Williams suggested using Give.org to help ensure donation dollars are going to the right place.
"If you're considering a donation to a charity that's not familiar to you, go to Give.org to view its charity report, or find trustworthy organizations to donate to."
In addition to fundraising promotions, there are also fundraising events. Williams said to check for hidden fees and read the fine print before agreeing to participate. "Is there a participation fee, or are you required to sign up a minimum number of sponsors? Always research the charity or group organizing the event before you sign up or register."
And, Williams said if you're unsure or if your preferred charity isn't holding any events, go to your charity of choice and donate your time or money to them directly.
"We just want to make sure consumers are donating to the actual organization," said Williams. "Everyone is going pink, they have this heart for philanthropy and wanting to donate, but some organizations and some scam artists are preying on that. So we really want to caution our consumers and educate them to say, 'hey, before you submit that donation, make sure it's going to that worthy cause.'"
