Post by Redz on Apr 1, 2005 19:27:51 GMT
From the Daily Star dated 26/03/2005.
Trendy charity wristbands have become a multi million pound moneyspinner.
But the good causes they represent are only getting a fraction of the cash.
Charities use the silcone rubber bands to raise funds and awareness and Brits can't get enough of them- even Prime Minister Tony Blair was wearing one on Thursday.
But genuine charities face fierce competiton as calculating businessmen and unscrupulous internet sellers cash in.
Many bracelets have no connection to charities and have been blastered by angry fundraisers as a " dodgy rip off".
Punters can even order custom - made braclets featuring their own messages. Onlines peddlers buy the bands from charites for a pittance, then sell them on for a massive profit.
The staggering demand for bracelets means they can easily make more than 10 times what chariities receive.
Some of the most popular bands to help worthy causes include violet and black Tsunami Relief bracelets.
Football fans in Northern Ireland favour green and white ""We exist" bands for theirs countries crunch match with England today, and the money goiing to the Action Cancer Charity.
The PM was snapped sporting a white Make Poverty History band also worn by singer Jamelia 24, and model Claudia Schiffer 34.
But there are also gimmicks like glow in the dark bands.
However it is the E-Bay "mercenaries" who have really angered Charities.
Members of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign are outraged thar red wristbands made to create awaeness of their fight are being sold on the site.
The £1.00 bands were worn by Liverpool stars including Steven Gerrard in last month's Carling Cup Final- but now selling for up to £50.00 on E-Bay.
HJC member Robbie Ashcroft said "The people who are doing this are just Mercenaries.
"The idea of the bands is to raise awareness, not to make money. It's abosolutely distusting."
BIG thanks to the Daily Star in publishing this.
We WILL overcome.
JUSTICE FOR THE 96.
Trendy charity wristbands have become a multi million pound moneyspinner.
But the good causes they represent are only getting a fraction of the cash.
Charities use the silcone rubber bands to raise funds and awareness and Brits can't get enough of them- even Prime Minister Tony Blair was wearing one on Thursday.
But genuine charities face fierce competiton as calculating businessmen and unscrupulous internet sellers cash in.
Many bracelets have no connection to charities and have been blastered by angry fundraisers as a " dodgy rip off".
Punters can even order custom - made braclets featuring their own messages. Onlines peddlers buy the bands from charites for a pittance, then sell them on for a massive profit.
The staggering demand for bracelets means they can easily make more than 10 times what chariities receive.
Some of the most popular bands to help worthy causes include violet and black Tsunami Relief bracelets.
Football fans in Northern Ireland favour green and white ""We exist" bands for theirs countries crunch match with England today, and the money goiing to the Action Cancer Charity.
The PM was snapped sporting a white Make Poverty History band also worn by singer Jamelia 24, and model Claudia Schiffer 34.
But there are also gimmicks like glow in the dark bands.
However it is the E-Bay "mercenaries" who have really angered Charities.
Members of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign are outraged thar red wristbands made to create awaeness of their fight are being sold on the site.
The £1.00 bands were worn by Liverpool stars including Steven Gerrard in last month's Carling Cup Final- but now selling for up to £50.00 on E-Bay.
HJC member Robbie Ashcroft said "The people who are doing this are just Mercenaries.
"The idea of the bands is to raise awareness, not to make money. It's abosolutely distusting."
BIG thanks to the Daily Star in publishing this.
We WILL overcome.
JUSTICE FOR THE 96.