Most people are givers just by the very nature of human goodness. At least I like to see the world like that.
Years ago, I remember the yellow ribbon in front of people's homes and around trees in support of American troops who were overseas fighting in the Gulf War. And in the not too distant past, Nike and the Lance Armstrong Foundation made a yellow silicon bracelet famous for a different cause.
These became a visual CAUSE promotional symbols which took root in America.
The Pink ribbon was adopted by the Susan G.Komen Foundation to help raise awareness and help fight breast cancer. Red was adopted to fight AIDS.
These days, both the ribbon and the silicon band in assorted colors have come to represent a cause - or a message. It's unfortunate that knockoffs have diminished the true symbolism for some of these original fund raising awareness items. People forget why they exist and whom they should benefit. Wearing a color should not be a fashion statement.
The American flag has become a staple lapel pin but it has taken an unfortunate political spin lately. It does not signify that someone is not patriotic if he/she did not wear a pin. Please draw the line right there!
The important fact is - promotional items such as these are meant to make people AWARE of the need to come together for a cause, whatever it may be. Wearing it - or not wearing it - is not as important as supporting the cause in the first place. People should be encouraged to help in any way they can. Out of the goodness of one's heart.
When it comes to cause promotions and giving money to support a movement, it is important to know who you are giving your money to. Are they a registered non profit corporation. Who is behind the movement and foundation. The yellow bracelet was originally made in America until knockoffs were shipped from overseas. Unless they're purchased from the Foundation or from Nike, it means nothing.
I hope one day none of these will need to be worn. That would mean that we've cured the cancers that take our loved ones away - or the diseases that make people sick. It would mean that our troops are home and defending us in home turf. It would mean that we have conquered hunger and poverty in South Africa and parts of the world where children are starving.
Until then, please don''t stop looking for a worthy cause and donate what you can. If you do receive an awareness symbol - BE THE PASSION behind it, not the fashion.
Here are some of the organizations we support. Please visit them:
The Red Cross - Disaster Relief and Help for those who need emergency care
ONE - The Campaign to Make Poverty History
Susan G. Komen Foundation - Breast Cancer Research and Support System
The Food Bank - Not just Thanksgiving or Christmas.
