Many large companies are using their big names to partner with nonprofit organizations for great causes. This corporate responsibility practice includes campaigns that address everything from hearing loss to homelessness. Check out these corporate partnerships and see what they’re doing to benefit consumers and communities.
Ford and Mark Horvath’s Invisible People – The former executive became homeless in 1995 because of drugs and alcohol, but got back on his feet with the help of the Los Angeles-based Dream Center. He was laid off and on the verge of homelessness again in 2008, when he decided to broadcast personal stories of the homeless via Whrrl and Twitter. Individuals and companies took notice of his cause and decided to join in. Ford lent him a Flex to drive on a road trip across the country to gather video interviews of homeless individuals’ stories and promote awareness through his website Invisible People. Hanes, Sprint and several other companies also sponsor his 2010 road trip.
Miracle-Ear and the American Diabetes Association – While most people are aware of the complications of diabetes, many may not associate the disease with hearing loss. Diabetes research has actually revealed a connection between hearing impairment and diabetes, concluding that people with diabetes are at higher risk for the condition. In fact, hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes than those without the disease. During the month of November, Miracle-Ear will help spread the word about this connection and raise money for research, education and advocacy by donating $5 to the American Diabetes Association for each free hearing test completed in a Miracle-Ear hearing center (up to a maximum of $50,000).
Tyson and Share Our Strength – Since 2000, the chicken manufacturer has donated more than 41 million pounds of food to disaster-relief organizations and food banks across the country. Fundraising efforts for Share Our Strength include a Tyson cookbook and proceeds go toward the nonprofit. The corporation also sponsors other organizations that address hunger and has its own campaign, Powering the Spirit, that promotes awareness about childhood hunger through grilling events across the country.
Diet Coke and the Heart Truth campaign – The soft drink brand’s sponsorship with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) draws attention to heart disease, the leading cause of death for American women. Diet Coke produces a line of Heart Truth cans with the campaign’s symbol, The Red Dress, and information about the campaign. It also helps sponsor events like the annual Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, in which celebrities like Heidi Klum walk the catwalk in red designer dresses.
