MDB Communications released a pro bono 30-second TV spot highlighting homelessness in hopes that not-for-profit causes won’t be forgotten in the current economic climate.
The spirit of helping others is shared by a number of organizations.
- For a number of years Fleishman-Hillard has supported the Capital Area Food Bank by collecting and donating food. In the past, it has had a competition within Fleishman's DC office. This year they broadened the competition and invited other PR firms in a contest to see who would garner the most points (foods have points assigned to them depending upon the Food Banks needs). This year Fleishman-Hillard, GMMB and Edelman are participating.
- At its Dec. 4 holiday party, members of the Independent Public Relations Alliance and its partners/sponsors/friends raised $1,200 to support the Center for Child Protection and Family Support in Washington, D.C.The donation will be used to purchase clothing, food and toy gift cards for families and children in need.
- At its recent PR Woman of the Year luncheon, Washington Women in Public Relations raised $800 for Doorways for Women and Families, a shelter in Arlington, VA, that WWPR has supported throught the year.
Regarding the MDB spot on homelessness, it will air on several regional networks throughout the holiday season. It pulls an emotional chord by pointing out that homeless people are someone’s mother, father, sister, brother or friend.
According to the agency, while many organizations have been affected this year, not-for-profits seem to bear the brunt during economic downfalls and many not-for-profits may shut their doors by the start of the new year.
MDB donated the spot and numerous television stations will run it in an effort to take a stand against homelessness while supporting Samaritan Inns, a charitable organization.
"It's hard to look at homeless people," says Executive Creative Director Richard Coad. "Because none of us ever wants to be homeless. But it happens, especially these days. And this television idea was a way to help people realize that every homeless person they pass is somebody. Less fortunate, but still a human being. As the old saying goes, ‘there but by the grace of God go I’.”