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Charles River Apparel Launches Breast Cancer Research Giveback

The apparel supplier is donating 10% of sales of select pink products to fund research.

Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) is raising money to fight breast cancer. The Sharon, MA-based supplier launched a new giveback program with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), donating 10% of the purchase price of select pink items to the BCRF, for a minimum donation of $10,000 and a maximum of $20,000. The giveback program runs until Oct. 3.

“Breast cancer touches so many lives,” said Barry Lipsett, CEO of Charles River Apparel. “We have several friends and family members who have had breast cancer, and the opportunity to help advance research is something we’re proud to be part of. Our hope is that by using our platform, we’ll be able to raise awareness nationwide about BCRF’s mission and continue to educate about the importance of breast cancer research and prevention.”

Learn More About Supplier Giveback Programs

The Do-Gooders Directory, part of ASI Media’s Promo for the Planet resource hub, is an extensive and continually updated list of supplier and distributor giveback programs, corporate social responsibility initiatives and sustainability certifications. Check it out here.

Last year, Charles River Apparel raised $13,000 for BCRF, and the company said it hopes to exceed that total this year. The supplier said 2023’s campaign, dubbed “River to Research,” will become an annual effort to fund cancer research.

The giveback program includes pink versions of six Charles River styles, including the women’s New Englander rain jacket (5099), the Pack-N-Go pullover (9904) and the Camden crewneck sweatshirt (9930).

woman wearing pink rain coat

A pink version of the New Englander rain jacket (5099) is part of Charles River Apparel’s breast cancer research giveback program.

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“By joining BCRF, Charles River Apparel is strengthening the collective power of the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world,” said Dr. Dorraya El-Ashry, chief scientific officer for BCRF. “We are setting the pace for progress – improving outcomes and saving lives – a drive that is fueled by the support of our partners and we are deeply grateful for their commitment.”

women wearing light pink sweatshirt

The Camden sweatshirt (9930) is another Charles River Apparel style marked for its giveback program.

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, but thanks to research advancements, deaths from the disease have decreased by 43% since the late 1980s. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the BCRF says it has raised more than a billion dollars to help end breast cancer. The nonprofit notes on its website that in 2022-2023, it’s awarding $52.7 million in annual grants to 255 scientists from top universities and medical institutions around the globe.

In 2010, Charles River Apparel, which turned 40 this year, founded Charles River Cares, the company’s charitable giving program. Through employee volunteerism, fundraising events, and in-kind as well as monetary donations, the company gives back in a variety of ways.

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