In my previous blog I discussed the the affect of digital medias power on natural sudden disaster events and how these can be effective to gain aid from the public. Carrying on from those unprovoked events that charities have to plead for the nations help onto marketing of charities who put on events to fund raise for ongoing disasters like illnesses and poverty.
These disasters are ones that constantly need to be fund raised for as these illnesses and poverty are growing and are ongoing issues in the world we live in today. To keep the public, and I hate to say it, interested in helping them out, these charities have to create events that attract the public’s attention in order to do so. These events are often first marketed online either in the charities social media of celebrity endorsement, through their social media. This way it reaches out to a large section of the nation and makes the charity have a ‘human face’ to it.
One if the most successful ways of marketing these charity events is through video and online streaming. Many charity’s have taken to Youtube to show the public what fun and exciting events they can host to raise money for serious charities dealing with serious issues.
Cancer Research UK: Race For Life
This video is a fun, upbeat and exciting way to get females around the nation to get involved and prepared for their annual Race For Life. This charity focus on a common, but very serious and life threatening disease but takes a fun and upbeat approach to their campaigns and events to draw the public into helping. With the slogan ‘kicking cancers butt’ it gives a sense of achievement to those donating, volunteering and those taking part in the events themselves. This video also includes the “#” which also spreads the charities awareness throughout social media when the public are using it.
ALS: Ice Bucket Challenge
*wipes tears*
This video is a perfect example of a serious cause having a humorous take onto its event but then reminding the public of WHY its being done and HOW your money helps. But, this is an interesting one. The ice bucket challenge wasn’t one organised by a charity but one which was done by an individual and has gone viral through nearly all the social media platforms which encourages millions of us worldwide to take part in. This hilarious challenge made entertaining viewing for us over a month long period. It was also massive success as it raised over $100m for the charity. This challenge was also taken on by 100’s of celebrities which increased the awareness as well as the involvement.
From these charitable events for such serious causes it is obvious that by taken a fun and outgoing approach to such serious issues is one which works with the public. These methods, all applied to social media are ways which are changing the marketing of events for the better.
REFERENCES
CARBAJAL, A., 2014. ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE – UNCENSORED & SEXY?. [online video]. 18 August. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h07OT8p8Oik [Accessed 28 April 2015].
CANCER RESEARCH UK RACE FOR LIFE., 2015. #ThisGirlCan. [online video]. 25 February. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydSBteBSyFM [Accessed 28 April 2015].
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