The Social Networking for Charity event was created as a means to ‘give back’ to the local community. While planning this unique event in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, I was very fortunate to receive support in the form of donations for prizes. The event, held on the evening of January 30, consisted of an informal discussion about the benefits of using social media networking as a means to advertise; we also provided a brief review of upcoming trends for 2014.
Guests were encouraged to participate in a series of icebreaker activities (networking opportunities) aimed at sharing and discussing business information, products and/or services.
Building a positive rapport
My hope was that guests would network with one another and take advantage of an opportunity to promote their respective businesses, all while building solidarity amongst others for future collaboration and/or referrals. As a communications and marketing business owner who specializes in content writing, I am aware of the usefulness of forging a sense of teamwork.
Keeping the cause local
Those in attendance were asked to donate a minimum of five dollars to the local Multiple Sclerosis Chapter. The money went towards purchasing equipment and in-home health care to help support over 100 local residents suffering from the disease.
A total of $475 dollars was raised. Due to a positive response from nearly forty guests, I believe that the event will become regular and continue to grow.
The idea to support the local Multiple Sclerosis chapter stemmed from an experience I had while writing as a freelance journalist for a local online publication. I was assigned to cover the annual Mandarin MS Walk and was informed of the chapter’s continual need for funding and support.
When my dreams of owning my own communications business materialized, I realized it was the right time to give back. The community rallied together and we received generous local sponsorships and other means of support in the form of drafted press releases, digital sign advertising – all free of charge.
It just goes to show that smaller communities can band together over a common need; something that becomes more difficult in larger cities where variety can result in losing focus.
Connie Carello owns CC Communications and worked for several years as a freelance journalist. Her ambition is to motivate others to achieve their dreams and ambitions while remaining an active community member. Follow her @ConnieCarello.
