In the last few years, Edelman Canada has taken a vested interest in professional and general volunteerism with its annual corporate social responsibility initiative: The Little Give. Once a year, all Edelman offices in Canada – Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver – close their doors for 48 hours and employees set out in teams to work with various not-for-profit organizations that do not have the time or resources to execute necessary communication strategies.
This year, Edelman Canada worked with 17 charities, investing 6,666 hours – valued at $678,822.25 – while additionally raising $45,597 in donations. “I was surprised and happy to see such a young team at work,” Daniel Germain, founder of Breakfast Club of Canada, said. “Your generation is aware of the different social and environmental challenges and you are the agents of change.”
The Little Give not only benefits local charities, but also delivers the personal satisfaction of a job well-done to all participants. Employees like account director, Candi Jeronimo, spend months planning and coordinating with colleagues across departments and offices. “The experience was enriching,” she said, “Especially when I was able to speak with past charities we’ve helped and truly understand the impact that our 48 hours of giving made.”
At the end of 48 hours, it’s back to business as usual for Edelman Canada, but with a renewed sense of pride and understanding of the huge impact a little time can make. “A big part of what is so amazing about the work that you have done for us is that it has touched every aspect of our organization — from our clients to volunteers, our staff, donors and our broader community,” said Kay Thody, communications director, Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. “It is really quite remarkable and I hope you know that for us, it is anything but little.”