I think we all take a moment at this time of the year to be thankful for what we have and, hopefully, to do that little extra bit to help those who are less fortunate than us. One of my favorite charitable organizations is NABS – The National Advertising Benevolent Society.
Here’s how their website describes the group:
“The National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS) is the only charitable organization in Canada that provides assistance to advertising, media and related industry professionals, who may need help due to illness, injury, unemployment or financial difficulties. NABS services include a national toll-free Helpline (1-888-355-5548), financial assistance, resource centers, skills assessment and retraining, as well as emotional, personal and career counseling services. Founded in 1983, and supported 100% by the industry, NABS has contributed more than $5 Million to thousands of industry colleagues and their families. NABS has chapters in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec.”
I got involved with the group (thanks Howard) about one year ago. The Quebec chapter is known as BEC – Bénévolant d’Entraide aux Communicateurs and I am honored that they asked me to sit on the Board for the Quebec chapter.
I’m not using this Blog space to promote any “look at what I’m doing” ego stuff. This is about helping those in my industry who may be having a rough go at it. It’s always during this time of the year that I wonder most about who needs help and who’s helping them get it.
Between opening presents, hugging family members and warming up by the fireplace, we should all be thankful that we have the capacity to give and are not in the position to be a recipient of these services.
My one holiday wish for all family and friends is simple: may you always have the capacity to give and never be the one in need.
NABS is also revving up their Ad Auction 2006 – where media buyers and sellers work together to sell some great media placement across Canada (and online) and make a lot of money for NABS in the end.
If you can donate some space (or want to be notified when you can buy), please go here: NABS – Ad Auction 2006.
Happy Holidays.