Promotional Edge Blog

Promo Tees Help Save Pets

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In November 2012, Switch, an experimental marketing agency in St. Louis, MO, launched the Ugly Holiday Sweater Tees fundraiser for its annual "Switchmas." This event benefits local charitable organizations. In deciding on a four-week campaign centered on the holidays when themed clothing is in high demand, Switch's team was left wondering how they could combine those two factors into a win for the cause, all while helping the sweater-less guarantee style success at their holiday events.

For the second consecutive year, Switch chose to donate funds raised in the campaign to the nonprofit Animal Protective Association (APA) of Missouri, which provides shelter and adoption services for homeless dogs and cats and animal welfare education to the public. Switch implemented social media and local media exposure in St. Louis to get publicity for the cause. According to Public Relations Specialist Jen Beidle, "Switch's effort netted many free mentions in the media valued at approximately $25,000, with 807 Facebook likes, 119 Twitter followers, more than 6,000 website visits and more than 61,000 impressions on LinkedIn."  

All proceeds from the $22 T-shirts featuring holiday sweater designs were donated to the APA, raising $13,065 during the campaign with the sale of 820 T-shirts. Since 2009, Switch has donated nearly $50,000 during holiday campaigns to local charitable organizations. "We thrive on using design to create something good for people – or animals – who really need our help. These shirts represent that intersection, and make you look totally rad, too," says Brent Coder, creative director at Switch.

Consider getting involved in the community by teaming up with your ad specialty distributor and a local nonprofit group. This will enable you to reach a wider audience, gain more social media attention and benefit a deserving cause that will have longstanding positive results.