As everyone scrambles to get the best Black Friday deals, it's always worth checking out smaller companies that look to give back along with getting sales. Not only is it a great example of corporate social responsibility (CSR) at work, but it's a win-win - you make a solid purchase and a worthy cause also gets support!
Independent Canadian book publisher ECW Press is a prime example of creative CSR:
For a limited time, when you order from our website, we'll include a complimentary Hope in the Dark candle, made by @jen_knoch. Donations will be made to benefit local charities. Help bring light to communities in need!
Details: https://t.co/d3iSYmh30K pic.twitter.com/u0gSWQo9EU— ECW Press (@ecwpress) November 22, 2017
Not only is the candle made by one of ECW's editors, but the proceeds of the cost of the candle - a 125ml eco-soy lemon-scented candle, so not just an IKEA tealight! - will be donated to The Children's Book Bank and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA). This fundraiser was started just this year, and as of November has raised $1400 to various charities.
Says Jen Knoch: "One hundred percent of the proceeds of the Hope in the Dark candle are donated to charities who work on behalf of the environment or vulnerable populations, including Black, Indigenous and people of colour, women, LGBTQ+ people, and refugees. But beyond the money raised, I see the candles as a call to action. Each comes with a note asking that, by the time the candle burns down, people to come up with their own way to bring more light to the world."
We can't think of a better reason to buy some awesome books and make a difference at the same time - a perfect example of a worthy cause lining up with a company's mission.
