People are getting excited about a new campaign by the Canadian Red Cross called The Volunteer Market that lets people volunteer their time or talent in exchange for a donation. The idea was first developed to bring some creativity and fun to workplace fundraising campaigns in Atlantic Canada, but anyone across the country can take part.
I'll donate $10 to Red Cross if one of my co-workers volunteers to clean my desk.
It works a bit like Kijiji. You create a profile and then post an offer consisting of either a donation in exchange for a service or vice versa. For example, I posted that I will make a $10 donation to the Red Cross if someone cleans my desk and gets rid of the dust bunnies hiding behind my monitor. You can also offer your services, anything at all from baking a pie to photography, even a crazy dare like wearing a tuxedo to work for a day. It’s win-win. You volunteer, have a bit of fun and raise some funds to help the Red Cross. You can restrict your post to your workplace or open it up to everyone.
The Volunteer Market – a concept developed and championed by Halifax-based marketing agency
Extreme Group - was just launched and already has several fantastic offers. It’s definitely sparking some interesting talk around the water coolers of participating companies and more offers are popping up daily. Check it out.
Any offers? My desk really does need to be cleaned!