By: Sofia Gluck, Blogger
The holiday season has long fostered a sense of giving. It is widely known as a core message come the month of December and now, its inclusion is not just limited to family and friends. Corporations are partaking in the holiday spirit and strengthening relationships with their publics in the process.
Companies have a responsibility to the community. It is a mutually beneficial relationship, wherein the company is socially accountable and the public is aided. The interaction of the companies with their publics serve as a representation of their morals and values. It is a showcase of the companies dedication to society and the desire to contribute to impacting their environment. In addition to all of this companies are seen in a positive light and that could potentially boost their revenue, hence the skepticism in the altruism and authenticity of this phenomenon.
A recent example of giving back can be seen in Dallas where the mobile app startup, Contractor+ hosted a Christmas party for children at The Grandberry Intervention Foundation. A foundation that specializes in foster care and helping children find loving homes. Their vision is to help children reach their highest potential as well as supply hope for their futures. You can get to know more about them here. Each year they host an annual Christmas party but this year, mobile app startup, Contractor+ got involved as well. Contractor+ employees came donned in holiday outfits such as: Elves, Santa and The Grinch. They brought along presents, snacks and activities for the kids and they loved it. The founder of TGIF, Sharon Grandberry, said in an interview, “Contractor plus plans to make this an annual event…We’re looking forward to that”.
Contractor+ seeks to give back to the community. This was an extremely heartened thing to do, it does not directly benefit their company but it does showcase their morals to helping the community around them. CEO Justin Smith said, “…If we’re not doing anything that really brings us joy and helps others, then what’s the purpose of it all?”.
It’s easy to be a bit cynical of corporations’ intentions when it comes to giving back. But this was an example of a company creating a lasting impression on kids in the foster care system. With promise to return annually, it is a true display of their values rather than a media stint meant to earn public support. Read into companies! Not only their values and mission statement but how they demonstrate them as well.