Giving Back with Each Purchase

For some time, the considerable force of consumers' buying power has been diverted to support various causes ranging from environmental protection to medical research and disease prevention. Giving is no longer just about charity. You can now choose to support communities and social projects while shopping for things you need.

Most of us have seen products carrying pink ribbons to support breast cancer research or products whose proceeds from sales go towards fighting AIDS across the world. If you look closer at what's on the shelves, you will find more and more brands which divert a significant portion of sales revenue towards social causes. This may seem like an advertising gimmick but, in truth, these campaigns often generate millions of dollars for the sponsored groups.

In Quebec, you can now choose to have up to 20% of your phone bill or Web site hosting bill diverted to the charity of your choice. When going out on the town, you can dine at a top rated restaurant that gives its profits to groups that fight poverty, or buy a beer that supports endangered aquatic species in the St. Lawrence. Soon, you will also be able to help plant a tree every time you buy a bottle of wine!

While you're doing your weekly shopping, identify the brands that give back and, by the same token, tackle social and environmental problems! Find out more about giving back with each purchase.