Although our #BetterCommunities Initiative did not officially kick off until January 1, 2015, we ran a trial through November and December of 2014. We believe one of the key components to success is planning, preparation, and setting strong, attainable goals. The three test projects included:
1. The Wild Bill Guarnere Memorial Statue Fund
2. The 3rd Annual Christmas Card Project for the 3rd SPG Veteran’s Foundation
3. Food and Clothing Drive for the Water Street Rescue Mission
These three trials allowed us to use our resources and challenge ourselves to think outside of the box. As we have discussed in previous blogs, giving back is not just about writing a check; giving back includes raising awareness about organizations, supporting the organizations’ vision and mission, and assisting in ways that maximize your capabilities. In addition, the charitable organization has to be something you care about and feel connected to.
For us, starting with these three organizations seemed very natural as our team has a strong connection to our US military and our veterans and a desire to help those who have fallen into unfortunate circumstances.
The only question we had before jumping in was, “what can we do to help?”
- We embraced the mission of each of these organizations
- We did our research
- We talked to the founders and directors of the programs
- We engaged our team (It’s important that our time, energy, and resources go to causes that are important to all employees, not just owners)
- We learned what was needed
- We offered our help
- We got to work
In no time at all, we were on a roll.
We decided the plan of attack would begin with featuring each organization in one of our weekly blog posts to raise awareness and generate a bit of a buzz. We were not sure how that would turn out; however, much to our surprise, we were on fire via social media. So much so, that we were able to generate some more blog posts that proved beneficial to the organizations. We began making connections to others who were as excited as we were to be helping!
Then came the questions:
- What difference does it make?
- Why support a charity?
- Why these charities?
- Who cares?
The answer to all of these questions is simple - everything we do as a team becomes part of who we are as a business and who we are as individuals. By answering a call to give back, we all were given a unifying story to connect us and exemplify our mission.
We want our story to be one that leaves a positive impact on the community, our employees, and our families. We truly believe that being part of our community is the best way to attract likeminded clients who want to be part of the big picture more than just the bottom line. We want to connect with our community & our clients and share common interests & goals. We strive to represent character; after all, we are a company full of characters who enjoy their jobs and what they can do for others!
Speaking of characters, let’s take a look at what we were able to accomplish in just a few short months with The Wild Bill Guarnere Memorial Statue Fund:
Beginning on Veteran’s Day 2014, we began our campaign to raise awareness about this foundation and how they wanted to immortalize one of South Philly’s very own heroes! The reasons we could not resist this organization are countless, but the primary reason revolved around the man, Wild Bill, himself. He was not your average man by any means. He held himself to a higher standard and never once refused to help those in need.
We want to emulate his courage, his strength and his commitment to helping others. We are currently building a new web page for the organization, blogging about upcoming events, and sharing updates about the funds being raised. The site will be launched Friday, January 16th at their kick-off fundraising effort. We are honored to be taking part in the future success of The Wild Bill Guarnere Memorial Statue Fund.
Next up was an effort to support the 3rd SPG Veteran’s Foundation. This is the third year ParadoxLabs has participated in my event, The Third Annual Christmas Card Drive, to raise awareness and to help veterans who have fallen on hard times. For each card received I donated $2 to the Foundation. With Christmas so close to Thanksgiving this past year, things were looking bleak. So, for one week, I upped the donation to $5 a card.
We collected 75 cards- 55 at $2 and 20 at $5, totaling of $250. In addition to the cards, several people also included their own donations totaling $150. As the event drew to a close, we raised $400. Not too bad for a month’s work. Looking back over this particular year, we realized we need to perhaps change the format a bit for next year to increase the number of cards. Being good planners, it is already on our list of things to do mid-January.
Our final test project involved raising awareness and collecting donations for the Water Street Rescue Mission. What a great feeling it was to make two deliveries to the mission leading up to the holidays! We collected 6 boxes of blankets and winter clothing, 3 boxes of food and a box of stocking stuffers for young children.
Although we found this rewarding and believed we were successful, next year we are going to add some volunteer days as well, so we can meet people and learn about them. We have a strong desire to not only provide help, but to also connect with those we are helping.
Overall, the last two months have been both rewarding and productive. We were able to achieve and exceed our goals, giving us hope for our #BetterCommunities Initiative in 2015. We invite all of you to come on the journey with us and be part of the positive change! Happy 2015!