There can be several reasons to wear a bracelet. Just because it stylish or because it happens to be a trendy accessory that you saw in the store. But many bracelets are sold because they have a deeper meaning. They are considered a symbol. Below are 4 examples of bracelets that aim to save lives.
Pink Ribbon
This charity started in the US in the nineties as a ribbon campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer. Pink Ribbon is a non-profit charity that operates worldwide. Five years ago, the Dutch branch of Pink Ribbon became part of the Dutch Cancer Society. In collaboration with companies and other non-profit organizations, money is raised for breast cancer patients. One of the most important moments during the year is the month of October. This has since been renamed Breast Cancer Month. During this period, many companies and well-known Dutch people commit themselves to Pink Ribbon. One of the accessories that is sold is the Pink Ribbon bracelet. A special version of the bracelet was designed last year. It is a plated piece of jewelry, made of pink polyester rope, a glass stone and a gold-colored zinc alloy. A designed flower is incorporated into this piece of jewelry. The Pink Ribbon bracelet can be moved using an adjustable cord. Almost half of each bracelet sold ultimately goes to Pink Ribbon.
Livestrong Bracelet
Livestrong started in 1997 under the name Lance Armstrong Foundation. The foundation is committed to people with cancer. They do this by lobbying, donating money to hospitals and stimulating research. The yellow silicone bracelet was introduced in 2004 and was available for only 1 dollar each. It was perhaps the most famous example of the gel wristbands, which were popular for a long time. Nike designed this striking Livestrong bracelet together with an advertising agency. The yellow color refers to the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, which the leader in the general classification of this cycling race is allowed to wear. Around 2013, more than 87 million yellow bracelets had already been sold. Many celebrities, including Ben Stiller, Oprah and John Kerry, wore the yellow bracelet. Since Lance Armstrong's doping confession, the foundation continues without input from this former cyclist. In recent years, income has fallen sharply.
Road ID
Road ID was founded by Mike and Edward Wimmer, a father and son team inspired by their own experiences. Son Edward trained for marathons on the streets and was regularly warned by his father to watch out for heavy traffic. Edward was almost hit by a truck. This was an eye-opener for both of them and the start of Road ID. The brand develops wearables, including bracelets, that contain data about the wearer and his or her family members. If you are the victim of an accident, healthcare providers can immediately see who you are and how they can reach your loved ones. A portion of each order is set aside for charities. In the meantime, the stories of many users have shown that they have been saved from life-threatening situations because they were wearing a Road ID wearable.
4Ocean
This organization was founded in 2017 by two American surfers. They were shocked by the pollution of the water they surfed in during their trip to Indonesia. They spoke to local people, who told them about the negative impact of plastic in the seawater. Not only does it affect the flora and fauna in the water, the nanoplastics also end up in our bodies via the fish we eat. 4Ocean is now active worldwide and with the sale of their bracelets, among other things, the dirt can be removed from the ocean. Each bracelet contains a small part of the recycled plastic and glass that has been taken from the sea. The bracelets are handmade by craftsmen in Bali. For each bracelet sold, approximately half a kilo of waste can be cleaned up from rivers, oceans or coastal areas.