Last year we kicked off an initiative called Small Bottles Big Help. The goal was two fold: to help associations give back to their community and help them get some media attention when they did it.
We asked AE’s and their staff to collect small bottles from hotels during their travels. Even better was to make this contest an association-wide effort. Shampoo bottles, lotions, and other toiletries. At the end of the collection period, we asked them to donate the bottles to a local shelter or charity in need.
These small bottles go a long way toward helping local homeless, women’s or disaster relief shelters. The shelters often don’t have the funds for extra necessities – common items we use every day. Many of us leave unopened toiletries when we check out of a hotel. What better way to give back then to bring the bottles home and donate them to a good cause?
The response was overwhelming! The association who donated the most bottles by November 30th won a webinar hosted by Melynn on a communications topic of the their choice. Lynnore Fetyko, CEO of Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS® (GSAR) and Katie DeAnthony (communications director) were equally excited. A staggering 2,336 bottles entitled them to bragging rights and the prize.
Most important, the bottles were donated to two shelters in the Syracuse area – Vera House and Dorothy Day House. The Vera House is a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence service agency providing shelter, advocacy, and counseling services. The Dorothy Day House provides 24-hour emergency shelter for women and women with children who are homeless or housing.
Thank you to all who participated in Small Bottles Big Help. And for all of you who are stewards of goodwill in your community in your own way.
Please click on the photos below to view images from GSAR on their donations.
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