What is the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade?
The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade is a global philanthropic and cause marketing initiative of Avon Products, Inc. and the Avon Foundation. First created in the UK in 1992, the Crusade launched in the US in 1993 and Avon now supports breast cancer programs in 50 countries worldwide. The mission of the Avon Crusade is funding advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on medically underserved populations. Funds are awarded for medical research; access to treatment; support services; screening and diagnostics; and education and awareness. Beneficiaries range from leading cancer centers to non-profit community based breast health programs. Through 2004 the Avon Crusade has raised and awarded more than $350 million worldwide.

How do you raise money?
The Avon Crusade raises money to accomplish its mission in many ways: the sale of unique "pink ribbon" fundraising products sold by Avon independent Sales Representatives around the world; the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series in the US; special fundraising walks, runs, events and activities worldwide; the annual Avon Foundation Awards Gala in New York City; and direct donations.

The Avon Crusade pink ribbon products, which have been sold in the US since 1993, are priced at $7.00 or less, making it possible for virtually anyone to support the fight against breast cancer. Avon Sales Representatives also serve as the nation's largest force of volunteer educators, having distributing more than 180 million educational flyers since the Avon Crusade began.

From 2003 through 2005 the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series raised some $100 million. The 2006 series will include eight Avon Walk events.

Where does the money go? What programs does the Crusade fund?
Avon has implemented a sophisticated and comprehensive need-based philanthropic strategy that addresses five key areas of the disease: medical research, access to treatment, support services, screening and diagnosis, and education and awareness. Recognizing the complexity of the problem of breast cancer among all groups of women, Avon is distinguishing itself from other corporate donors that fund a single institution or scientific investigator by supporting a virtual national network of research, medical, social service and community-based organizations, each of which is making a unique contribution to helping patients or advancing breast cancer research.

For a complete listing of these beneficiaries, click here.

How much of the proceeds are actually returned to the cause?
In 2004 the consolidated net return of all Avon Foundation fundraising programs was 71%. This exceeds the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance guidelines -- see http://www.give.org.

What if I have a pink ribbon product idea?
The marketing department of Avon Products, Inc. develops, produces and markets all Avon Crusade Pink Ribbon Products. We appreciate their support, and are not able to accept product submissions.

Will you donate pink ribbon products for a breast cancer event I'm having? If I buy a large quantity of pink ribbon products, can I purchase them at a reduced rate?

The Avon Crusade "pink ribbon" product collection is available exclusively from Avon. All proceeds from the sales are awarded as gifts from the Avon Foundation to breast cancer programs throughout the US. We are, therefore, unable to donate the products, or sell them at reduced rates for other fundraising efforts.

Avon "pink ribbon" products are priced at $7.00 or less, and are affordable to virtually anyone who wishes to participate in the fight against breast cancer. To purchase pink ribbon products, contact your local Avon Sales Representative, call 1-800-FOR-AVON, or visit www.avonfoundation.org or www.avon.com.

Can I sell pink ribbon products for more money to help someone raise money for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer?
All pink ribbon products must be sold for the price listed in the Avon Brochure or online at www.avonfoundation.org or www.avon.com . Net proceeds from the sales of these items are returned to the breast cancer programs supported by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and may not be designated for other uses.

Can I specify where my money goes?
Funds raised by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, including product sales and special events, are combined and awarded as grants and gifts to carefully selected breast cancer programs in every area of the country. We cannot earmark funds raised (or a portion of them) for distribution to specific institutions or programs.

How can I make a donation to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade?
You can support the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade by buying pink ribbon products through Avon Sales Representative or at www.avonfoundation.org, by participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, by making a secure online donation or by sending a check made payable to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. To make an online donation, visit “How to Get Involved” on this site.

Please mail checks to:
Avon Foundation - Att: Donations
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105

How can I participate in &/or register for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer?
You can participate as a walker, crew, volunteer or contributor. Visit www.avonwalk.org or call 1-800-510-WALK for more information and to register.

Why are participants of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer obligated to raise $1,800 prior to the event?
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events are dedicated to raising significant funds for the breast cancer cause. All registered walkers commit to the training and the fundraising that this extraordinary event entails. Upon registration, walkers receive a packet that provides them with information about the event, as well as tips on how to participate successfully. This includes nutritional, training and fundraising guidance and counseling and other mailings. Each walker is also assigned a Walker Buddy to help in training and fundraising.

We strongly encourage walkers to take full advantage of the comprehensive support offered by the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer team for training and fundraising.

For those who do not wish to fundraise or cannot walk, there are other ways to participate in an Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event. They can support another walker or "crew" or volunteer. For more information, visit www.avonwalk.org.

Does the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade support men with breast cancer?
The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade raises funds to support a network of programs that assist people (both men and women) in dealing with every aspect of breast cancer. Our particular focus is on the medically underserved, including low-income, elderly, minority or those without adequate health insurance, and reversing historical disparities in breast cancer care.

Avon has implemented a sophisticated and comprehensive need-based philanthropic strategy that addresses five key areas of the disease: medical research, clinical care, support services, education and early detection. Recognizing the complexity of the problem of breast cancer among all groups of women, Avon is distinguishing itself from other corporate donors that fund a single institution or scientific investigator by supporting a virtual national network of research, medical, social service and community-based organizations, each of which is making a unique contribution to helping patients or advancing breast cancer research.

What is the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade's perspective on the value of mammography?
The Avon Foundation makes no recommendations on medical treatment. Instead, we refer to the expertise of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.

Existing studies of mammography in the US and abroad are currently the subject of criticism among biostatisticians. The public debate that has ensued as a result of news accounts of this criticism of the methodological and statistical aspects of these studies is a cause for concern by women and their physicians. Avon supports the position taken in response to the debate concerning the value of mammography by the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and nine other medical professional societies*, all of which continue to support current mammography screening guidelines:

• Women in their 40s should be screened every one to two years with mammography.
• Women aged 50 and older should be screened every one to two years.
• Women who are at higher than average risk of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and the frequency of screening.

All eleven organizations agree that " while the existing studies of mammography screening have known limitations and even some flaws, the evidence as a whole solidly supports reduced breast cancer mortality rates due to mammography screening. Early breast cancer detection means a greater chance for successful treatment and a greater range of treatment options." These organizations also " urge women to continue to follow the advice of their physicians and the leading medical organizations. Our organizations will continue to monitor new scientific research in order to offer the best advice to women and their physicians."

The Avon Foundation recognizes the importance of early detection and is funding several important research projects that are designed to bring new and better breast imaging technology to women as soon as possible. The Avon Foundation funds breast cancer medical research, access to clinical care, diagnostics and screening, support services, awareness and education

What is Avon's policy on animal testing?
As of November 1, 2001, the official policy of the Avon Foundation is that no Avon Breast Cancer Crusade funds will be used to support breast cancer research projects involving the use of animals. This followed the announcement of the first Avon Foundation funding for research in fall 1999, and the first awards for biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of breast cancer in spring 2000.

In addition, we are proud that, in 1989, Avon Products, Inc. became the first major cosmetics company to end all animal testing for its products and ingredients. Avon continues to adhere to this policy.