Campus bookstores go pink

McGill Bookstore among 22 across Canada to partner with Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

The McGill University Bookstore will raise money to support breast cancer research by selling a “breast aware” T-shirt during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The McGill Bookstore is one of 22 campus bookstores participating in the fundraiser organized by the Canadian Campus Retail Associates (CCRA) in partnership with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Throughout October, the McGill Bookstore will sell T-shirts for $10, and all proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research. The T-shirts feature the names of the universities participating in the campaign on the back, with “McGill Cares” and the symbolic pink ribbon printed on the front.

The McGill Bookstore is committed to selling at least 1,000 T-shirts. The goal of the 22 participating stores is to sell over 22,000 T-shirts for breast cancer research, and education and awareness programs. With the exception of printing, shipping and T-shirt costs, ALL of the money collected will go directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. None of the stores will realize a profit from these T-shirts. “We are so committed to ensuring our customers know this that we are printing it on the back of the T-shirt,” said Barry Schmidt General Manager of the McGill University Bookstore.

“The 22 university bookstores that make up the CCRA chose to support Breast Cancer because it is a disease that affects everyone,” Schmidt said. “We all know someone -- a mother, daughter, sister, aunt or friend -- who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. We are proud to be part of this network of stores that is committed to supporting this worthy cause.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women, with about 431 women diagnosed every week. In 2008, an estimated 22,400 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, while about 5,300 will die of the disease. In young adults, breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cancer cause of death.

The project, titled “the shirt, the cause, the day,” will be launched in campus bookstores across Canada on Oct. 1. T-shirts will retail for $10.00 plus applicable taxes.

About the McGill University Bookstore:
The McGill University Bookstore is owned and operated by McGill University. Its mission is to be the preferred source of products and services by students, faculty and staff for their academic, professional, social and cultural needs. The Bookstore is service-driven and profits are returned to McGill for student programs. Visit the website at www.mcgill.ca/bookstore.