Every day you hop in front of your computer, log into your Facebook or Twitter or Instagram etc accounts and like pics, share posts, keep yourself updated with all the things your friends are doing in their life. Is this Social Media all about in our daily lives?
If your answer is YES then you need to think again!! What if we tell you that by just sitting in front of your computer you can help to Make A Change in someone’s life with whom you have never met or that person may live in any other part of the world, interesting, isn’t it?.
Even the big companies and organizations are coming forward to support & fulfill their obligations towards the society. They are running campaigns online which you can join by sharing, donating any amount which you feel like giving as it is aptly said: “Every Drop Makes an Ocean”.Social Media for the social cause is using of all the types of social platforms available for the benefit of the society in general. We bring you some great examples of social media being used by some of the biggest companies/organizations to fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibility.
Raising Funds/Charity
Help is Always Given to Those Who Ask for it !!….Organizing virtual fundraising events or charity campaigns have been in existence for more than a decade but in the past 5-6 years with the ever-growing popularity of Social Media among the people has paved the way for numerous charity campaigns being organized by using the social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter etc. Below are discussed 2 of the most famous charity campaigns which spread like fire with the help of Social Media.
1. SAVE THE CHILDREN campaign
SAVE THE CHILDREN campaign has been in existence since the 1930s, it works for the benefit of the children of The United States Of America and other countries of the world giving “What Every Child Deserves” i.e. a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and care when disaster strikes. With the growth of digital platforms, this Social Media campaign has expanded its reach through channels like Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, where people can discover the cause and contribute donations to support its noble mission.
2. ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Who can forget the famous “Ice Bucket Challenge”, dumping buckets full of ice on yourself and if not succeeded then to donate money to ALS Association. This campaign went very viral during July-August 2014 and on August 29 the ALS Association announced their total donations exceeded $100 Million. Superb isn’t it? This is the actual power of campaigning and fundraising through Social Media.
3. UNICEF & Pinterest
Pinterest is no longer only to PIN the images/videos just for fun, many big organizations like UNICEF are turning the social media platforms like Pinterest to raise funds for the children of many developing and underdeveloped nations. For instance, UNICEF launched an interesting campaign through Pinterest by using the term “Really Want These” from the point of view children who do not get to enjoy the basic human necessities which the people of developed countries take easily for granted.
Cause Marketing
Cause marketing means the use of Social Media by a for-profit business organization which promotes its brand along with supporting a social cause.
1. Louis Vuitton & UNICEF #MAKEAPROMISE
When biggies like Louis Vuitton & UNICEF join hands together it has a huge impact but combines it with Social Media the impact is nuclear. Recently, in January 2016 both the giants came together in Los Angeles for a Charity Ball which raised over $2.5 million to save and protect the world’s children. To make the most of this partnership Louis Vuitton created a digital campaign to raise awareness and encourage as many people as possible to support UNICEF’s actions. This commitment is symbolized by a “pinky promise”, a popular way among children to signify that a promise has been sealed by entwining their little fingers. People are invited to share their pledge on social networks via the hashtag #MAKEAPROMISE.
2. Johnson’s Mother Day Campaign
Johnson’s Baby also timed a social media cause marketing campaign with an upcoming holiday. The company is donating a dollar to Save the Children for every like or share on one of their Mother’s Day cards.
3. Kellogg’s “Share Breakfast” Campaign
Kellogg’s set a goal to serve one million breakfasts to children who are in need of food. In order to reach this goal, the company created a Facebook post, a set Tweet using the hashtag #sharebreakfast, and a pin on Pinterest, and promised to feed one child breakfast for every share.
No matter how big or small you or your organization might be, even the smallest help can bring a SMILE on the face of that someone and the blessings of those people from the heart are the best “Return on Investment” one can wish for.