by Marcy Watson
VehicleMD Contributing Writer
Originally published in Fall 2010 Issue

You probably don’t think much about your wiper blades until you are driving in the rain. That’s when you remember that it’s time to get a new set. It’s not a fun purchase like buying new shoes or a new golf club. But what if purchasing windshield wiper blades also benefited a cause? That’s the idea behind AutoTex PINK where a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these high quality wiper blades is donated to support those affected by breast cancer and to help fund ongoing research.

According to the American Cancer Society, except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. As a woman-owned company, AutoTex PINK wanted to find a way to help the cause, so it has partnered with the National Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the United States and the Breast Cancer Society of Canada to support them in their research and community outreach efforts.

“There are many products that benefit breast cancer, but most are cosmetics or kitchen items,” said Paula Lombard, co-founder of AutoTex PINK. “Women are involved in the decision-making for their cars, so why not offer them a product that they need that also benefits a cause they care about? That’s where the idea for AutoTex PINK came from.”

The company has set a goal of raising $25,000 by this October to coincide with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “We launched AutoTex PINK a year ago, so we are on a mission to raise $25,000 this first year and even more next year,” Lombard said. “This is a great way for women to support breast cancer awareness and research while getting a high quality product that they need for their car. We hope women buy a set of the windshield wiper blades and then encourage their friends and family to do the same.”

While you might expect AutoTex PINK windshield wiper blades to be pink, they actually come in standard black with a small pink ribbon promoting the cause of breast cancer awareness and research. They are available in metal or frameless versions and fit over 98 percent of vehicles on the road.

In addition to the windshield wiper blades, the company has also created a community website to build awareness of both the product and the cause. MyAutoTexPINK.com is a one-stop shop for women’s automotive advice including car care basics, detailed automotive buying advice and driving tips. The site also allows members to share photos and stories, communicate with peers about specific issues, even post local and national breast cancer events.

“Issues like breast cancer are important to women, so we created the community site to give them a place to come together,” said Lombard. “We want MyAutoTexPINK.com to be a source of useful information about their bodies and their vehicles. Our theme—‘Healthy You/Healthy Car’—is an easy way to help women understand the importance of taking care of themselves and their cars.”

AutoTex PINK Windshield Wiper Blades are available at Amazon.com or at many automotive service centers and quick lube across the United States and Canada. To join the community, visit www.MyAutoTexPINK.com.