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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Avon support breast cancer charities?

Breast cancer affects nearly 44,000 in the UK every year and is the number one health concern for all women. As the company for women, it makes sense for Avon to be involved with this issue, using its vast network of women selling to women to spread the breast awareness message.

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Which specific charities does Avon support?

In addition to long-term charity partner Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Avon has supported various other charities over the years including Macmillan Cancer Relief and Breast Cancer Care. Breakthrough was our first breast cancer charity and over £10 million has been donated to this charity since we launched the Breast Cancer Crusade in 1992.

For more information visit who we support

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How much has the Crusade raised?

The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has raised £13 million (1992 – 2006) in the UK. Launched here in 1992 the Crusade now operates in 50 countries and has raised over $450 million worldwide for education, research, treatment and aftercare.

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How does Avon raise money?

The majority of our fundraising comes from the sale of special Avon Breast Cancer Crusade products available in our brochures and online (www.avon.uk.com) throughout the year. In addition employees, Representatives and customers organise a variety of fundraising activities to show their support and raise even more money.

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What products are currently available for me to buy… can I buy old products from previous years?

New this year is a pink Crusade lapel pin and a ‘rope-style’ friendship bracelet with a pink ribbon charm – perfect for teenagers. There will be more Crusade-specific products featured later in the year. Buying products from previous years might occasionally be possible depending on stock availability; this would be highlighted in the brochure as appropriate or you could ask your Avon Representative to let you know if this happens.

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What happens to the money raised from selling Crusade products?

All donations and royalties from Crusade products go to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade which is used to support our chosen charities, primarily our long-term charity partner Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Breakthrough uses the money to:

  • support the running costs of the Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre
  • support the Breakthrough Generations Study, a major project tracking the lifestyle, health and environmental impact on 100,000 women in the UK in an attempt to discover why some will develop breast cancer and others not
  • fund three Clinical Fellows at the centre over a five-year period dedicated to specific areas of research into different aspects of breast cancer

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How can I get involved in the Crusade... do you have a fundraising pack?

We welcome help and support from any source. If you'd like to organise a fundraising event you can download an information pack here or arrange for an independent Avon sales Representative to visit and check out the current Crusade products in the brochure... just call 0845 601 4040.

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Can I help by becoming a Representative?

Yes of course. If you would like to know more about the role of the Representative you can apply online at www.avon.uk.com or call us on 0845 601 4040.

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When I hold a fundraiser how do I pay in the money?

Just send us a cheque or banker's draft made payable to Avon Breast Cancer Crusade with a note outlining how and when it was raised and including your own name, address and contact details. Be sure to tell us if you are an Avon Representative or customer. A receipt will be supplied.
Please send to PR Department (Crusade), Avon Cosmetics Ltd, Nunn Mills Road, Northampton NN1 5PA.

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How many women are affected by breast cancer?

Nearly 44,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. In addition, over 300 men are also diagnosed annually.

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What should I do if I am concerned about my own breast health?

If you are worried then contact your GP as soon as possible. Nearly 80 per cent of all breast cancers are detected by women who report unusual changes to their doctor. This statistic highlights the importance of being breast aware. Breast awareness means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally so you can be alert to any changes and check them out with your doctor as soon as possible.

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I've heard some companies selling products in aid of good causes make a profit and don't hand over very much money to the charity... is this true?

If you buy a product with a legitimate charity affiliation then you are donating to a good cause. Companies selling charity products collectively help raise millions of pounds a year for a variety of worthy causes. Any company selling a ‘pink’ product for breast cancer should always indicate the level of donation, so look out for that information to ensure you are clear on exactly how much your purchase will donate.

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How does Avon benefit from the Breast Cancer Crusade?

Companies like Avon partner with charities for mutual benefit. Our longstanding support for Breakthrough Breast Cancer is a visible sign of our commitment and concern for women and the things women care about. It also helps raise awareness of Breakthrough among our Representatives and customers as well as raising vital funds for research. Our commitment and achievements have been recognised independently by a number of external business awards and we believe the Crusade works on many levels:

  • customers feel good about giving or receiving a product that benefits such a good cause
  • the charity benefits from heightened awareness and much-needed funds
  • Avon is able to share its values as the company for women and potentially reach new customers

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Where can I get more information?

You could maybe start by taking a look at the websites of our charity partners:

  • www.breakthrough.org.uk has lots of information about breast cancer diagnosis and treatments as well as updates on their research
  • Breast Cancer Care is another useful site, and includes a Helpline telephone number and online nurse to answer questions
  • Macmillan Cancer Relief also has a Helpline and a network of information centres around the country www.macmillan.org.uk

 

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Breakthrough Breast Cancer, registered charity number 1062636
Macmillan Cancer Relief, registered charity number 261017