It’s safe to say 2020 is a year none of us expected. But throughout all the challenges the year has thrown at us we have seen some incredible campaigns, digital events, and an unparalleled passion to support our peers and those in need.
To celebrate this phenomenal work the CharityComms team have each picked their favourite campaign of the year.
Crisis – Change into Change
2020 has been a very challenging year but for people without a safe, secure place to call home, it’s been particularly hard. That’s why I am championing Crisis whose “Change into Change” campaign brought stylish fashion to their high street shops, showcasing clothing donated during lockdown. Shopping with Crisis not only raises vital funds to help end homelessness but also offers employment and training for homeless people. What’s more you’ll be helping to reduce, reuse and recycle. So, if COVID-19 regulations permit, please do pop in to say hello, find out more about their work and shop with a clear conscience. If not, you can still help by choosing gifts from their online shop.
Adeela Warley, CEO
#XmasPartyHeroes
I enjoyed the simplicity and effectiveness of the Xmas Party Heroes Campaign – donate the unused cost of your Christmas party to a charity of your choice – you and all your staff become instant #XmasPartyHeroes.
The campaign was launched by Mark Hawthorn, CEO of investor Landmark Group and it has already raised an incredible £1,334,762 and counting! This simple idea was a great way to turn a loss into a positive – and I hope that it won’t be a one-off post-pandemic. Who really needs another corporate Christmas party?!?!
Vanessa Weddell, head of events
Cruse Bereavement Care – The Big Coastal Challenge
Encouraging people to ‘virtually’ wrap their arms around the UK, this fundraising challenge saw participants collectively covering the length of the UK coastline by setting themselves sponsored challenges in aid of Cruse. Those taking part could opt to take on a sponsored run, walk, cycle or swim to clock up the miles and help the charity meet it’s 18,358 km target while raising much needed funds for supporting bereaved people. Coronavirus has meant more people than ever have been accessing the charity’s support and this campaign not only played a vital role in helping fund this, but it also encouraged people to work together and show their support with a big virtual enveloping of love.
Christine Fleming, head of digital content
Blood Cancer UK – Perfect Match
There have been so many standouts that it’s hard to pick, but one charity that has stood out for me is Blood Cancer UK. Not only are they ahead of the TikTok game with their clever, short educational videos, but they also raised awareness of their cause by teaming up with dating app Badoo. The platform allows people to share their blood type using a badge on their profile and then matches them by blood type compatibility. Each blood type has its own personality traits and tells you which types to avoid. Badoo pledged to donate £1 to Blood Cancer UK for every person who added the badge to their profile. Could it change the future of dating? Who knows, but it is a sure-fire way of getting young people involved in fundraising.
Adel Hanily, digital content officer
Charities Against Hate – #ShareYourStory
Online hate has always been around on social media but it has hugely increased over the past year and it has been amazing to see so many charities come together to work to combat online hate speech. #ShareYourStory came about after a survey to charity users, staff and supporters showed the negative impact of hate speech and the group has also produced a best practice guide for ethical marketing and comms practices for the sector. There is still a lot more work to be done, so see how you can get involved here.
Sarah Clarke, head of membership
If you enjoyed this you might also like our Charity campaigns to brighten your day from earlier this year and Campaigns that have kept this year’s Inspiring Communicators inspired in 2020.
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