I hate those bracelets, too
Thursday, November 29th, 2007
I hate those silicone bracelets, too
Lance Armstrong and his LiveStrong Foundation, the Rape Crisis Center, Tsunami fundraisers, churches, and dozens of other causes, sell silicone bracelets to donors. They ask them to wear it to draw attention to the cause, and they ask you to pay just a dollar or two. What does that say? I think it says that the cause is only worth a buck to you. When I see those, I think, “Hey Big Spender!” Don’t get me wrong, I think the publicity is wonderful. But did they really have to charge just a dollar? Wouldn’t people donate if it was $5 or $10? Is our message that we can live on just a dollar here or there?
I saw a great cartoon. It was two women walking down the street past a Salvation Army barrel during the holidays. They’re loaded down with packages, and one says, “Every year, I always give my pennies to the Salvation Army.” The message, of course, is that we’re spending big money on other things for ourselves, and a few pennies to help change the world. When I see the bracelets, that’s what I think. I think charities need more courage than to just ask for pennies.