There's an outdated expression that charity starts in the home. But with more and more people spending most of their waking hours in the office, it's only logical that philanthropic efforts would start popping up in the workplace. Donating money, products, and ingenuity, the adult novelty community contributes to a wide range of initiatives-from breast health to voter turnout, there are almost as many causes as there are toys.
Seattle-based retailer Babeland is a pro at harnessing its influence for community good. Given the company's mission of personal education and empowerment, the promotion linked to this year's presidential election is only fitting: Shoppers who brought proof of voting to any of its locations were awarded with a Babeland Silver Bullet vibrator or, fittingly, a Maverick masturbation sleeve. The massive amount of attention the promotion received certainly gave voting—and the store—a higher profile.
Pamela Doan, Babeland's public relations manager, reports that on Election Day, the giveaway created lines nearly as long as those at polling places. "Even before the store opened, voters were lined up outside waiting to pick up their free sex toys," she says. "[Though the store is] typically quiet on a Tuesday morning, more than a hundred customers had come through in the first hour."
Topco Sales recently gave away its products, too, sending nearly 500 dildos to Africa for use in AIDS education programs. Working with Partners in Health, a group that partners with impoverished communities to fight disease, the manufacturer found a way to both recycle and benefit thousands of people on the other side of the globe.
Using what's known as "regrind"—leftover material from manufacturing—Topco created a custom run of dildos, which were polybagged and shipped to Africa in late October. There, Partners in Health educators used them to teach men and women proper condom use.
The regrind is typically discarded, so using it to benefit a charitable group proved to be a beneficial way to use its resources. "This is a way to help using something that was going to be garbage," says Desiree Duffie, Topco's director of marketing and public relations. "This way it goes to a very good use."
Other companies supporting AIDS-related causes include New York-based online retailer Happy Universe. The company donates $1 from each purchase to fighting AIDS, and hands out free condoms at the owner' comedy troupe performances. And Just In Case, makers of chic compacts to tuck away condoms, created the YouthAIDS Red style, giving 10% of the purchase price to YouthAIDS, a group that reaches out to more than 600 million young people in more than 60 countries. Just In Case told ANB earlier this year that they hoped to raise $100,000 for the organization.
Breast cancer charities are another niche that finds considerable support in the novelty industry. In October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, California Exotic Novelties announced it would donate a portion of the profits from the Papillon massager to the group Living Beyond Breast Cancer. LBBC serves more than 30,000 women affected by the disease, giving them the tools and information they need to live the best life possible.
Cal Exotics' founder, Susan Colvin, is a former educator, so empowering women and their families through knowledge is a topic close to her heart. "Breast cancer is no respecter of race, political affiliation, sexual orientation or socio-economic situation," she says. "We're doing our part to raise awareness of this dreaded disease."
The Sinclair Institute is also deeply involved in breast cancer charities. Offering numerous pink items on a page titled Think Pink!, the company offers customers the option to donate $1 to breast cancer research at no additional charge when they spend $24 or more. They also created the Natural Contours Petite Pink Ribbon Vibrator, a sculptural vibe inspired by a woman's form, to commemorate the month-long consciousness-raising campaign. Ten percent of the proceeds from the sale of the Petite Pink Ribbon will be donated to Breast Cancer Action, a national education and advocacy group.
Candice Royalle, Natural Contours' co-founder and director of marketing, explains the motive behind the Petite Pink Ribbon. ""Breast cancer can have a big impact on a woman's intimate life," she says."Between the effects various treatments may have on hormones and desire, and the fact that a woman's breasts can play a significant role in her sexual identity, the Petite Pink Ribbon is a way to give women permission to continue to think of themselves as sexual beings. It's like saying, ‘You're still sexually alive, and here's a little something extra to help you stay that way!'"
Whatever cause novelty companies choose to support, the industry is continuously finding ways to make the world a better place. Customers can shop knowing their cash is going to a good cause—and that's something that will give everyone a little extra pleasure.
