FollowYou’ve probably seen the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge all over social media and TV. Perhaps you’ve taken it. For me, it had special meaning and a very personal connection. My older brother Martin, an outstanding athlete, prolific writer, creative thinker, baseball aficionado– and the bravest person I’ve ever known—lost a courageous battle to ALS. So, while I generally shy away from fads, I happily took the challenge and donated money to ALS as well.
By all measures, the Ice Bucket Challenge has been a huge success! While some may criticize it as a gimmick, I think it has much merit. It’s dramatically raised awareness of this dreadful, incurable disease and raised millions in funds for research . The ALS Association reports a ten- fold increase in year over donations.
Plus, it gave participants a fun and meaningful activity in a summer that’s been filled with wars, droughts, killings and plane crashes!
No doubt we’ll be seeing more creative social media campaigns to raise awareness for other dreadful diseases and causes.
Promotional products, our industry’s medium, and one that is so great in delivering and reinforcing a message, can play a role in these campaigns. Be innovative, think outside of the box and think how you can add fun, social connections and the element of surprise to your client’s next promotional marketing campaign and it too may go viral!
So, here’s to more creative marketing campaigns that can bring positive changes to our world!
What’s your opinion? Have you or your friends participated in the “ice bucket challenge”? I’d enjoy hearing from you, please post your thoughts or a link to your video below.
