Wristbands

Whether you think they're old news or a fab fashion accessory, spending just a couple of quid on a wristband helps to make a difference to charities. Here's why you should be supporting TheSite.org by buying our own very unique design.

How the wristband craze started

The trend for charity wristbands started back in 2003 when American cyclist Lance Armstrong launched his yellow band inscribed with 'livestrong' to raise awareness of cancer. He survived cancer to win the Tour De France and his wristband has raised around £50 million for his charity Livestrong, which helps young people cope with cancer.

Since then, a whole host of charity wristbands in a range of colours and styles have been created.  Some of the most popular ones are the white 'make poverty history' band, the black and white 'stand up speak up' bands and the pink breast cancer bands which have been hugely popular since Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.

The debate

Some people have criticised charity wristbands for being just a fashion statement, commenting that those wearing the wristband are more concerned with having the 'latest item' than supporting causes. This debate has been fuelled a trend for 'rare' bands on eBay. Others argue that if the bands raise money for charity and increase people's awareness of various health and social issues then they must be a good thing. 

There have also been doubts about how some charity wristbands are produced and sold, and it's has come to light that some have been manufactured in overseas sweatshops. The Ethical Trading Initiative aims to combat this by outlining a code of practice for all supply chains. Their base code sets out the standards for overseas supply chains in terms of labour, wages, working conditions and is widely applied to the manufacture of many charity wristbands.

The best way to avoid the debate and make sure that your wristbands are ethical is to stick to official outlets such as charity websites or high street retailers.

"We've created a wristband in response to growing requests from TheSite.org community to introduce branded merchandise."

TheSite.org wristband

We've now launched TheSite.org wristband.  Not content with following the masses we've created our very own design - a triband in TheSite.org colours with detachable dog tag. It costs £2 and is the first charity band of its type.

We've created a wristband in response to growing requests from TheSite.org community to introduce branded merchandise. They are also a great way to raise awareness of TheSite.org and to generate money to keep us going as a charity.

So, buy a band and show your support for TheSite.org. At just £2 you can help us keep TheSite.org going without making a huge dent in your wallet. But get in quick - we've got a limited stock that will be sold on a first-come first-served basis.  

How to get yours

From your mobile phone:

• Text BAND to 84222;
• We'll reply asking you to send us your name, house number and postcode. Then leave it to us; 
• It'll cost you £2 plus two text messages at your standard rate;
• You'll see the £2 charge on your next mobile bill.

Need to know:

• • The price includes postage and packing to any UK address - you can't order bands outside of the UK.
• • You'll need to buy your bands one at a time. We're aiming to get a 'multiple purchase' function live as soon as possible.
• • Our bands are manufactured in line with the ETI Base Code, making them some of the most ethically-traded charity bands around.

 

• • When your band arrives you'll find a recycling envelope with it. If you've got any old mobiles, send them to us to recycle and generate at least £5 for TheSite.org. Just put it in the envelope and post it (you don't even need to add a stamp).
• • We'll get your band to you within seven working days (quicker if we can!)