Avon launches Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer 2008
Aims to set Philippine record with I Walk With 30,000 for a Healthier Tomorrow event
Participants during the launching of Kiss
Goodbye to Cancer walk are Avon,
Iloilo and Guimaras officials and
representatives from women sectors.
Breast cancer claims thousands of lives around the world every year, and poses a great threat to all women, regardless of age, race, social or economic status. The numbers go up annually and the Philippine Cancer Registry lists more than 10,000 cases among Filipino women with a mortality rate of 40 percent. While a cure is yet to be found, early detection and treatment remain the best protection.
As the foremost corporate advocate of women's health, global beauty company Avon launched the Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer (KGBC) campaign to raise awareness and raise funds to support the crusade against the disease. KGBC, launched locally in partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society, has achieved a number of major feats in the continuing fight against breast cancer. Funds raised through the campaign has successfully helped establish the Philippine General Hospital Breast Care Center, where a mammography unit was also installed, funded the treatment of indigents, initiated a support group and conducted regular gatherings for sufferers and survivors, and provided much-needed equipment to provincial governmen officials.
Worldwide, the program has raised over $525 million to promote breast cancer education and awareness, screening and diagnosis, and scientific research.
This 2008, the commitment to champion the breast cancer crusade is of the Avon's highlights in celebrating its 30th year in the country.
"Avon remains committed to aiding women and their families for as long as needed," says Bob Briddon, Avon Philippines President and General Manager. "The amount of positive feedback we have received, as well as the impact that the Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer campaign has had on sufferers and survivors, urge us to double our efforts to help eradicate the disease that affects one in 33 women around the world."
This year, KGBC makes an even louder call to raise awareness and funds through another Avon Walk event themed I Walk With 30,000 for a Healthier Tomorrw. Intended to set a Philippine record, this event is a three-kilometer non-competitive walk to be held on October 5, 2008, Sunday and will simultaneously take place in 16 cities all over the archipelago.
Aside from this groundbreaking event, Avon is also raising funds through the sale of two special edition products. Available for sale starting September 1 through Avon ladies nationwide is the KGBC shirt, which costs P149 only. P30 from each shirt sold is earmarked for the breast cancer fund. The shirt also serves as the wearer's joining fee to participate in any of the Avon Walk events in Bacolod, Batangas, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cauayan, Cebu, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, Legaspi, Lucena, Malolos, Manila, San Fernando, Tacloban and Vigan. Another fund raising initiative is the sale of the KGBC Limited Edition Skin So Soft Ultra Healing Hand and Body Lotion, P5 from every lotion sold will also go towards the continued support of the PGH Breast Care Center and selected provincial hospitals.
Now on its 7th year, Avon renews its ties with network giant GMA 7, an ardent supporter of the cause and other stalwart partners like Reebok, Globe, AstraZeneca, SM Mall of Asia and the Rotary International District 3780. For details on the KGBC and Avon Walk events, contact Tin Valino at 8642638 or e-mail helpdesk.ph@avon.com.