This is the time for gift giving, spreading some holiday cheer and giving back to those in the community. This holiday season, IMP Canada is helping out with two special causes: the Rotary District 7090 – Southern Ontario & Western New York and the Shooting for the Stars Gala.
The Rotary District 7090 Southern Ontario & Western New York is a volunteer organization that initiates programs designed to aid with the challenges affecting the world today – such as hunger, poverty and illiteracy. The Shooting for the Stars Gala is an annual fundraising event held in Burlington, Ontario where proceeds go to the CIBC Breast Assessment Centre at the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre in Hamilton.
IMP Canada has taken on both charitable projects to help strengthen their online presence on social media, as well as helping to build awareness on these causes and encourage donations.
There are a few great advantages for non-profit organizations who are interested in incorporating social media into their marketing plans:
1. It’s free. Not-for-profit organizations are very budget conscious. Luckily, setting up a Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest account is free. There is no cost to put up your own photos, videos or content.
2. It’s community-based. What better outlet is there to engage a community than social media? Social media is where people have conversations, voice their opinions and share information. All you need to do is get involved and share your story. Social media has the potential to spread the word faster than any other medium.
3. It’s event-friendly. If your organization has an event to raise funds, build awareness, etc.
you can create an event right in Facebook and invite guests to RSVP. You can even ask your
Facebook friends to share the event with their friends too. The more the merrier right?
4. It makes donating easier. Sometimes half the battle is figuring out where and how to donate. People can get frustrated if the online process is too confusing and it can discourage them from making a donation. However, adding Facebook Causes can help. Facebook Causes is an application that allows Facebook users to join the cause and make donations. Non-profit
organizations can also use Facebook Causes to spread awareness, gain supporters, and launch
fundraising campaigns.
Check out the Rotary District 7090 – Southern Ontario & Western New York or the Big Brothers Big Sister of Hamilton & Burlington Facebook Pages if you are interested in learning more. If you’re thinking about starting a Facebook Page for your not-for-profit organization, feel free to contact us.
