It’s All Bee-cause They Care

Believe it or not, buzz on campus has it one local business is providing a lip-smacking gift. The “earth-friendly” natural personal care brand, Burt’s Bees, is donating to the Duke Cancer Support Program free samples of its all-time best-selling product, Beeswax Lip Balm. Duke Cancer Support Program volunteers will be giving out the samples in select locations beginning Wednesday, July 16, through Friday, July 18.

 Founded in Maine in 1984 by artist Roxanne Quimby and beekeeper Burt Shavitz, Burt’s Bees originated as a honey and candle making venture. By 1989 Burt’s Bees had expanded into natural personal care, increased production and staff, and set up shop in an abandoned bowling alley in Fox-Dover, Maine and in 1993, with distribution already worldwide, Burt’s Bees moved its headquarters from Maine to North Carolina.

Today, Burt’s Bees, acquired in 2007 by the Clorox Company, is headquartered in Durham, N.C., and sells products from head to toe including hair, face, lip, body, hand and foot care products. The business, which sends zero waste to landfill, is carbon neutral, gives paid time off for employees to do community service and gives to the community through its Burt’s Bees Greater Good Foundation, champions a triple bottom line, people, profit and planet.

 “All companies look out for the bottom line,” said Matt Kopac, manager of Social & Environmental Responsibility for Burt’s Bees. “We do too, but at Burt’s Bees we believe that we can support our bottom line, the environment and our broader community at the same time. Drawing from the inspiration of our founders, we aim to be intentional about all of our choices from sourcing of raw materials all the way to disposal of packaging by our consumer so we can continue to promote The Greater Good in all we do.”

Free samples of Burt’s Bees lip balm will be available, on a first come, first served basis, at the following Duke Cancer Center locations and times:

•       Information Desk
•       Café
•       Boutique
•       Level 00/1/2/3/4/5 (6 locations) Host Stations
•       9th Floor Hospital
•       Pharmacy  

“We have a great philanthropic partnership with Burt’s Bees,” said Cheyenne Corbett, Ph.D., director of the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program. “The Belk Boutique, located in the Duke Cancer Center, sells many of the Burt’s Bees products. These products work well for so many of our patients and caregivers. It’s wonderful to receive a donation like this, but even more fun giving it away.”

For more information on Burt’s Bees, its products, history and current outreach projects, visit Burt's Bees.