Impact Works with the Canadian Blood Services’ OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network to Deliver Highly Successful PR Campaign

Impact’s connection to the Canadian Blood Services’ OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network is quite personal.  President Huw Williams was diagnosed with leukemia in 2008, and in 2009 was one of over 800 patients in Canada waiting for a bone marrow match. Through the help of OneMatch, a bone marrow match for Huw was found and he received the lifesaving bone marrow transplant.  Just over a year after the procedure, Huw and the staff at Impact wanted to express their thanks to the organization by offering pro bono PR services to bring greater awareness to the need for individuals to sign up as blood and bone marrow donors at www.onematch.ca.

The Canadian Blood Services is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the supply of blood and blood products in all provinces and territories, outside of Quebec. Canadian Blood Services also oversees the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network and provides national leadership for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Canadian Blood Services operates 43 permanent collection sites and more than 20,000 donor clinics annually.

Impact and OneMatch collaborated on an extensive PR campaign in April 2011 to bring attention to the organization and the immense need for individuals to register as stem cell and bone marrow donors at www.onematch.ca.  The campaign featured Huw Williams meeting his stem cell donor, 23-year-old Mike Hogman from Nanaimo, B.C., for the first time and having the chance to thank him for his lifesaving transplant.

The media coverage garnered from this PR effort was substantial and impressive, with over 100 stories being presented in print media, on the radio and on television. What is most important is that a huge number of Canadians who viewed the messaging regarding stem cell and bone marrow donation were made more aware on how simple it is to get involved and potentially save someone’s life in the process.

Please click here to watch CTV coverage on this event, and click here to watch an interview with Impact Public Affairs President Huw Williams and One Match Spokesperson Jessica Stergiou on Ottawa’s popular ‘A’ Morning show.

Mike Hogman speaks to reporters to promote One Match.

Impact Public Affairs Partners with The 3C Foundation of Canada

The 3C Foundation of Canada reached out to Impact Public Affairs for pro-bono public relations and event planning assistance for a fundraising event benefitting children affected by Crohn’s, Colitis and Colorectal Cancer.

The fundraising event, themed the Wine, Whiskey & Wi-Fi, was held at the residence of the Irish Ambassador. Due in part to the successful promotion of this fundraiser, the event sold out weeks in advance.

$32,500 was raised and donated directly to CHEO to contribute to the success of their programs benefitting those affected by Crohn’s disease and colitis. Impact is always happy to lend its support to important causes, and hopes to partner with The 3C Foundation of Canada for any future events they are interested in presenting!

Impact Public Affairs Partners with Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre for Award Winning Charity Fundraiser!

A unique concept fundraiser, with more appeal than traditional golf tournaments, the Amethyst Track Challenge involved corporate teams of 5 people competing against each other during a day long event held at Ottawa’s Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Participants competed in various track events and healthy food, massage tables and entertainment were provided throughout the day. Impact closed down their offices for the day in order to facilitate the event.

Over $100,000 have been raised for the charity through this event since 2008!

Photos taken of the Amethyst Track Challenge since 2008 .

Award Recognition

The Amethyst Track Challenge has received several different accolades for its original fundraising concept. It was named a finalist this past November for the PR News Nonprofit PR Awards. Amethyst’s fundraising event was featured alongside notable international organizations including UNICEF and the United Nations Foundation. The award accepts entries from around the world, and is considered one of the highest honours bestowed on non-profit organizations. For more information on this incredible achievement click here.

Impact’s Cynthia Waldmeier poses with the women who work at Amethyst and the award they received in recognition of their finalist placement in the 2010 PR News’ Nonprofit PR Awards.

Impact coordinated a unique race down Ottawa’s busy Sparks Street, involving former Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien, Beijing Olympic hopefuls and local CEOs to publicize the first year of the Amethyst Track Challenge. This event not only raised awareness and generated buzz for the Amethyst Track Challenge, but also was named the winner of PR News’ Nonprofit PR Award for "PR on a Shoestring" in 2008. For more information on Amethyst’s award winning Track Challenge concept click here.