Christmas decorations are popping up in malls around the country reminding us that yes, it’s that time of year again! But in the corporate world, are we really celebrating the season of giving or getting?
Corporate social responsibility can sometimes be like that tree in the forest – if no one’s around to hear it, why bother? In a cynical business world, the spirit of giving can have an undercurrent of getting something in return. “Can we get press out of this?” “Will it be good for networking?”
As Christmas descends there’s always an upswing in corporate giving but we’re hopeful that as we tick over into 2013, more and more businesses will adopt social responsibility as an ongoing mantra.
There’s lots of ways to get involved, but here are a couple of suggestions from us to get you started:
Donate Suits to Dress for Success
Dress for Success (DFS) is a fantastic global organization promoting the “economic independence of disadvantaged women through career development and employment retention”. With locations across Canada, companies can organize donation drives for their local DFS affiliate. They collect new and nearly-new professional attire, handbags and accessories for disadvantaged women to help them enter the workforce.
http://www.dressforsuccess.org
Make a Loan to Kiva
Kiva organises microfinancing to remote corners of the globe, helping people create better lives for themselves and their families. You can join an international community of lenders who provide affordable access to capital and help those in need build an independent livelihood. 100% of every dollar you lend on Kiva goes directly towards funding loans.
Socially Responsible Gift-Giving
Corporate giftgiving is well ingrained in our culture, but why not choose a socially responsible gift this year? Individuals and business can purchase socially sourced corporate gifts from ZOË Alliance. “With ZOË Alliance gifts you can redefine giving, show tangible appreciation of your colleagues, and demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility. All within your existing promotional or philanthropic budget”. ZOË Alliance works with impoverished communities around the world to supply socially and ethically responsible products. Their Equitas Collection supports adults with disabilities in Ottawa.
