As everyone should know by now, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month across the world. So to mark the occasion many of Abu Dhabi’s hotels, stores and societies are coming together to raise money for breast cancer research, and raise awareness of the disease and its prevention.
For the first time ever, Abu Dhabi is getting involved with the record-breaking Global Landmarks Illumination Initiative, in which famous buildings, monuments and other landmarks around the world are flooded with pink LED lights. Last year, around 200 venues took part, from the Sydney Opera House to the Burj Al Arab (pictured above). This year, even more places have agreed to join in, including Abu Dhabi’s own Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, meaning that, with any luck, Abu Dhabi will be able to add yet another world record to its collection (and this time for a good cause) The ‘most landmarks illuminated for a cause in 24 hours’. record was broken last year by the illuminations initiative, and organisers say they expect the event to repeat its success this time around.
The Global Landmarks Illumination Initiative was launched back in 2000 by the Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, and, of course, the purpose of the campaign isn’t just to make buildings look pretty in pink. It’s to raise awareness of the fact that breast cancer is 98 per cent curable with early detection, and to encourage people in their efforts to raise funds in support of local breast cancer organisations. The floodlit buildings are meant to symbolise the power of many millions of people joining together around the world to spread the message of breast health.
If you’re keen to get involved, one of the easiest ways you can show your support for the cause this month is by using that all-important spending power, as many of the capital’s stores have special products on sale this month in support of breast cancer charities.
Estée Lauder will have information leaflets about breast cancer distributed at all their outlets in the city, and their La Mer range will be donating $10 (Dhs37) to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation from each limited-edition Pink Ribbon Lip Balm sold during the month.
At Tips & Toes, you can purchase a pink hair extension for Dhs30 or a pink bracelet for Dhs50, and all the proceeds will be donated to local breast cancer charities. And, as an extra incentive, anyone wearing their hair extension or bracelet when they visit salon branches will be treated to a 25 per cent discount on selected treatments.
Boutique store S*uce is running its annual Sp*rkle for a Good Cause campaign again (which is now in its 8th year), and is selling a pack that includes two pouches, a pink bow and Swarovski encrusted pink cat-eye sunglasses. Proceeds will be donated to the Sharjah-based Friends of Cancer Patients charity.
And if you’re in the market for some new underwear, visit Women’s Secret. The Spanish underwear brand will be donating a percentage of its sales from the ‘My Basics’ collection of bras sold in all its Abu Dhabi outlets.
So dig deep this month to support the cause – it really couldn’t be easier. As well as making an effort to shop in stores that are donating proceeds to breast cancer awareness charities, there are numerous charitable events and parties taking place this month where you can donate – we’ll be keeping you posted about them throughout the next few weeks in Time Out Abu Dhabi of course.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (02 654 3333); La Mer available at Faces, Khalidiyah Mall (02 354 323); Tips & Toes, Marina Mall (02 681 8386); S*uce, Marina Mall (02 681 8650); Women’s Secret, Marina Mall (02 644 2212).
