IT IS HARD not to think pink when you think about breast cancer thanks to the striking fundraising initiatives by Breast Cancer Campaign. Behind the shocking pink advertising is a workforce that knows what it does at the office really matters. The disease is the leading health issue for British women, killing 12,000 a year. The charity funds research into how the disease develops, resulting in improved diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure. Employees are sure their organisation makes a difference in the world with a positive score of 93%, fourth among small charities and public sector organisations in our survey. Over the past 14 years the charity, based in London, has awarded 302 grants with a total value of more than £31m to universities, medical schools, teaching hospitals and research institutes across the UK and Ireland. Its signature campaign, Wear it Pink, encourages people to wear something pink one day a year and donate £2 to the charity. Many staff members raise funds for Breast Cancer Campaign on top of their day jobs. An active bunch, they have taken part in the London marathon, the Great North Run, Pedal it Pink and Pink Aerobics as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Perhaps most impressively, the largely female staff even gave up chocolate for Lent to raise money. Employees are proud to work for the charity (88%) and excited about where it is going (77%), both top 10 scores. They also feel they can make a difference within it (80%). Pamela Goldberg, the chief executive for 13 years, switched from a City career to join Breast Cancer Campaign. Under her leadership the organisation has grown from four to 54 employees and she has a high profile in the charity sector working with scientists, and David Cameron, the prime minister, yet all the while still attending induction sessions and writing a blog for staff. Goldberg, who is retiring this summer, is popular with her team. She inspires employees (80%, the ninth highest score) who believe she runs the charity based on sound moral principles (89%, fourth). breastcancercampaign.org
