Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Wristband for a cause By Zosimo T. Literatus, R.M.T. Breakthroughs
HERE'S another vacation from our usual scientific studies on hard-to-pronounce organisms and tongue-twisting ailments. Let’s give a FIT a festive twist this week and find out how we can keep our world healthy through advocacy and charity.
When American cyclist Lance Armstrong survived cancer to win the Tour De France a record of seven years and running, he decided to devote his time in helping young people cope with cancer.
To raise money for the cause, he auctioned his yellow wristband, inscribed with “Livestrong,” to bring in charity money, and raised £50 million. And the popular yellow band caught United Kingdom storm!
Now, charity wristbands are available in a variety of colors representing different charities or campaigns. And they are not just worn by the youth, but also quite popular among celebrities. Celebrities, caught wearing a charity wristband, include:
l Bono (the lead singer of U2) and Elton John wear the white charity band with caption “Make Poverty History.”
l Football players Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand wear the black-and-white charity band with a statement “Stand Up, Speak Up.” This band has been designed to combat racism.
l Australian Nicole Kidman wears the pink breast cancer campaign bands. The sales of these wristbands increased since Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with, and underwent surgery for, breast cancer early this year.
l English football captain David Beckham and singer Natasha Bedingfield wear the blue band, designed to support the beat bullying campaign. These bands are sold for £2.50.
The average price of the wristbands is £1 and all the money goes to the charity. Lots of young people wear them as they are seen as trendier than traditional charity pins.
Although its popularity is more of a fashion statement than an all-out charity support, the money it raises means more than the difference between fashion and charity.
