3 Cases: People Make Causes Work

Well, I headed for our annual family fishing trip in Canada (far northwest Ontario) and realized I can’t get away from Cause Marketing!

First, we stopped at the Bass Pro Shop … where the cashier invited us to make a donation to the Quality Deer Management Association … which she reminded us was the donation of the month. She pointed out the information on the “pin up” card at the counter.

Then, we stopped at a restaurant (I believe it was Fox & Hounds) on our way home. When the server came with the bill, she asked if she could add $1 to the bill as a donation to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. She gave us a copy of the “pin up” flier (from Coors). The restaurant was participating in this cause campaign of Coors Light.

Yesterday, my wife convinced me that I needed some new clothes. She took me to Macy’s. When we checked out, the clerk asked if we wanted to participant in Macy’s “Thanks for Sharing” campaign that encourages causes with credit card purchases. Here’s the info from Macy’s: "From September 14, 2011 through December 31, 2011, enroll with a $25 fee charged to your Macy's Card. We'll donate $10, up to $15 million total, to benefit the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women® movement, the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, Futures without Violence™, formerly the Family Violence Prevention Fund and select local charities** based on where you enroll."

The key point in all three cases: the retailer’s employees asked me if we wanted to participate in their cause campaign. This sincere engagement makes cause sizzle for both the company and the participating cause. Great work to all three!

Steve