Share DDB art crawl and silent auction encourages employees to tap into
their creativity
TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - While Canadians have enjoyed comparative
economic stability, the global economic turmoil and increased
competition for donor dollars poses real challenges to charitable
organizations.
DDB Canada, the most creatively acclaimed, marketing communications
agency in Canada believes that businesses need to look for innovative
ways to stimulate their financially-conscious employees to give back to
their communities.
To encourage its own workforce to stay involved with its communities,
DDB Canada is once again hosting its annual employee-driven charitable
initiative entitled Share DDB, across its Toronto, Vancouver and
Edmonton offices. Employees are invited to donate a unique,
personalized auction item, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
DDB Canada is renowned for donating their expertise and services to
worthy causes such as the Good Cause Award, a national initiative which
sees a creative campaign with media support produced pro bono for
charity, thisisourvancouver.com, a 100 per cent crowd-sourced on-line platform for Vancouverites to
convey their positive feelings to the world post 2011 Stanley Cup
finals, and a symbolic campaign for Remembrance Day, promoting the
Historica-Dominion Institute's Memory Project - an initiative dedicated
to keeping Canada's war-time history alive.
Other award-winning public service campaigns include work for Big
Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, and Crime Stoppers, which garnered a
prestigious, bronze Radio Lion at the Cannes Lions International
Festival of Creativity.
"We all have a sense of responsibility to support our communities and to
adopt a give-back philosophy. Doing so in a creative fashion provides
an opportunity for our staff to exercise their talent and to make it
more personal," said David Leonard, national president and COO, DDB
Canada. "It's this personal touch that makes Share DDB, such a
rewarding program for not only our generous employees, but also our
vendors and clients.
In previous years, employees have donated such creative works as:
handmade pillows, snowboard lessons featuring lift tickets, rentals and
lunch, a family portrait photo session, a personalized vintage shopping
lesson from a vivacious fashionista, and private golf lessons.
Share DDB, which began at DDB Canada's Vancouver office in 2006,
launched in Toronto and Edmonton last year, resulting in over $36,000
raised for local charities. This year, proceeds will benefit four
charities as chosen by DDB Canada staff. These charities are: the James Lee Foundation, a scholarship fund created in memory of a very special DDB family
member who continues to inspire countless people in the advertising
industry; Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada, which provides a home-away-from-home for the families of seriously ill
children who are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital; The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, dedicated to providing food and assistance to those in need throughout
Vancouver; and The Hope Mission, a non-profit organization that cares for those who are impoverished
and homeless in Edmonton and surrounding areas.
Already, the response this year has been overwhelming, with Share DDB's
Vancouver event taking place on November 21 and raising over $18,000
for charity. DDB Canada's Toronto office will host Share DDB for its
second year on Thursday, November 29, with Edmonton, also in its second
year, closing the festivities on Friday, December 7.
To offset costs of the evening and maximize funds raised, DDB Canada
connects with its clients and preferred vendors to sponsor each event
and either donate their services or an item for auction. In fact, Share
DDB Vancouver's highest bid item this year was a 6'x3.5' print mounted
on canvas, donated by one of the agency's talented photography
partners, Noel Hendrickson. The item sold for $330.
Along with photography, generous sponsors and vendors have provided
venue space, catering, beverages, custom cupcakes and décor to help
make Share DDB the success it is today.
"It truly is amazing to see how much support Share DDB has received from
employees, their families, clients and vendors, each of which has
donated incredible pieces of work, fueled by their own passion and
imagination," added Leonard. "Whether we're enduring a recession or
enjoying a boom, nation-wide collaborations such as Share DDB will
continue to be an essential component of our agency's heritage, our
client and vendor relationships, and our employees' rewarding growth.
About DDB Canada
DDB Canada is the most creatively acclaimed, internationally recognized marketing
communications agency in Canada. Known for advertising that generates
significant results for clients, DDB Canada is a "total communications
company" whose fundamental belief is that creativity is the most
powerful force in business. DDB Canada has offices in Vancouver,
Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal. The agency's integrated groups include:
DDB Kid Think (youth marketing), DDB Public Relations, Tribal DDB
(digital), Karacters Design Group, Rapp Canada (direct), Radar DDB
(social media), DDB Hodes Recruitment Communications (recruitment
marketing) and Shopper DDB (shopper marketing).
SOURCE: DDB Canada