This week has been all about “Back To School” for parents and kids. Traffic has not been friendly and Fall is definitely in the air!
But on a more serious note with Back To School comes the topic of bullying. A close friend of mine had two of her kids recently bullied. When I heard the story rage just filled me. I am not a parent and perhaps I wouldn’t make a good one considering the thoughts that went on in my mind wanting to punish the bullies. But I know there are better ways to solve the issue – mainly prevention and awareness.
I was happy to hear that two big brands in the beauty industry were stepping up to address this issue.
LUSH cosmetics is working to “erase bullying” with an interactive art installation display in the window of Canadian stores and select US stores too. These displays started August 31st and will run until September 13th. The windows showcase the work of Bryce Evans who is a Vancouver based artist and are inspired by a friend’s experience with bullying. LUSH is also encouraging everyone to sign an online pledge to treat everyone with dignity and respect through Charter For Compassion.
As part of this campaign LUSH has launched a limited edition Charity Pot Hand and Body Lotion ($5.95 for 45 g / $21.95 for 250 g) with 100% of the sales going towards LUSH’s Charity Pot Fund to further help organizations such as Charter for Compassion.
Made with fair-trade cocoa and fragranced with ylang-ylang and geranium essential oils you will smell good, feel good and do good all at the same time!
For more about the #EraseBullying campaign check out the LUSH site.
Every year Avon comes out with a product to raise funds to help stop Domestic Violence. This year they are continuing this tradition by empowering young women to speak out against bullying and domestic violence. Launching this month 100% of the net proceeds of each “Start Something” bracelet will go to the Canadian Women’s Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada to fund anti-bullying and girls’ mentoring and empowerment programs across the country.
These bracelets ($9 for bracelet / $20 for Rhinestone bracelet) double as 1GB USB keys so they not only send a message but are very practical too. I love the idea of giving these out to friends and family as the new “friendship bracelet”. It can help spread the message in classrooms and campuses where unfortunately the abuse and bullying of young women has become increasingly prevalent.
Funds from the sale of these bracelets will also support the launch of the Avon “Safe & Sound” program at the Canadian Women’s Foundation. This program helps female victims of domestic violence to recover and regain their confidence after abuse. Their goal is to also educate women and girls about safe and healthy relationships and therefore preventing future incidents of domestic violence.
I love to see beauty companies stepping up and doing their part to bring awareness and raise funds for worthy causes such as these.
What are you thoughts on the topic of bullying? Do you know of any other companies with similar initiatives?