Proceeds from Kantoi's breast cancer awareness canvas totes will be channelled to the cancer centre of Tung Shin Hospital (Photo: Kantoi)
Every October, many brands show support to those affected by breast cancer by creating exclusive collections, with a percentage of profits going towards breast cancer foundations. Even though our favourite products get a rosy makeover, and that we could still give back to the community while making our purchase, we should still be mindful of the real cause here: Increase attention and raise awareness towards early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
According to Breast Cancer Welfare Association, one in 20 women develop breast cancer, and the disease remains one of the most common cancers found in women. Calling for awareness may no longer be enough to urge women to take their screening measures seriously — we should be calling for action. Here are seven brands that are doing the same.
Alia B. x Sofia Haron #Pink October
Alia Bastamam is no stranger to working with the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM). For the past two years, Alia has actively taken responsibility by providing for cancer warriors and survivors from the Children’s Home of Hope, aided by NCSM. This year, the distinguished fashion designer has collaborated with visual artist Sofia Haron for Pink October. The result is a limited-edition printed sweatshirt, called Awaken, which features a digitalised painting from Sofia. The painting consists of an eyeball looking out through an open mouth which depicts the artist’s take on the importance of looking inward to build a deeper understanding and connection with humanity. All proceeds will be donated to NCSM.
Shop the Awaken sweatshirt here.
Kind Kones
If the sweltering afternoon heat is beating you down, cool off with a scoop (or two) of guilt-free ice cream. Vegan ice cream parlour Kind Kones has recently launched a double-scoop offer, featuring its Raspberry Ripple and Strawberry flavours for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Twenty percent of every purchase of the combo, aptly named Pink Pair, will be donated to Pink Unity, a focus group for women cancer survivors under NCSM. If you’re not comfortable visiting its outlets, leave Kind Kones an Instagram message and they will arrange a delivery for you.
Message Kind Kones on Instagram here.
The Playground Borneo
Throughout the month of October, jewellery and accessory brands Bowerhaus as well as Sereni and Shentel are selling their versions of the pink ribbon at The Playground Borneo. Bowerhaus’ pin boasts a single freshwater pearl, the brand’s signature gem while Sereni and Shentel’s ribbon is designed with delicate ruffles. All proceeds from the two pieces will be donated to the Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group. Reach out to The Playground Borneo on Instagram or Whatsapp to get a closer look and arrange for delivery.
Message The Playground Borneo on Instagram here or Whatsapp 0102017882.
Kantoi x Ninja Van Malaysia
"Offending people for a good cause", is what Kantoi is good at. Known for their hilarious and sarcastic quotes on their reusable canvas totes, Kantoi returns once again to raise funds for underprivileged breast cancer patients. With quotes such as ‘Feel for lumps, save your bumps’ on their bags, proceeds from this collection will be channelled to the cancer centre of Tung Shin Hospital. The bags are sold individually for RM25 and as box of five for RM100. Partnering with Kantoi in conjunction of their Pink October initiative, Ninja Van Malaysia pledges free delivery for every order.
You can purchase the bags online through Kantoi’s Instagam page or via Kitsch.
Root Remedies x Poppylab
Natural skincare label Root Remedies and jewellery brand Poppylab have joined forces to offer a special set of products for its fans. The Bosom Blossom polymer clay earrings, handmade by the latter, come in two shades. The subtle but playful design serves as a reminder to keep your breasts in check and that early detection saves lives. The earrings can be purchased at Root Remedies’ website with a choice of adding a bottle of its bestselling Gromwell Squalane Gentle Restoring Face Oil and a Rose Quartz Gua Sha, a massage tool known to help firm up facial muscles and promote lymphatic drainage. All the profits from the Breast Cancer Awareness sets will go to NCSM to help provide subsidised mammograms for the public and free screenings for the underprivileged.
Shop here.
Dico Hair Care
Give your tresses a little TLC with Dico Hair Care’s vegan, coconut-based products for healthy, lustrous hair. Try out its newest triplet offering, which includes a coconut milk shampoo, conditioner and hair mask, to hydrate and strengthen your locks while maintaining colour if you’ve dyed it. Dico’s protective hair mist also does a fine job shielding your hair from UV light absorbers while restoring it to its natural shine. This month, the brand will donate 10% of its October sales to Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA).
Shop here.
Turn Up The Pink! Pantai Hospitals x Gleneagles Hospitals
A joint effort between Pantai and Gleneagles, Turn Up The Pink! is a call to action from members of the public to educate themselves about early detection, the signs and symptoms of the disease through self-examinations and screenings. People are encouraged to upload a creative pink-themed photo with a caption in support of the campaign across social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. All the posts will be transformed into small digital ‘heart’ icons, which will be linked together to form Malaysia’s first digital pink ribbon. Participants will receive a mystery gift at participating hospitals and stand a chance to win lucrative weekly prizes.
Read more about how you can join the event here.
