Spreading the love this Valentine’s Day. And no we’re not talking about a budding office romance!
This year our New York studio created a unique Valentine’s initiative for its creative team to take part in. The aim was to raise awareness for their favorite charitable organizations and encourage people to donate to these great causes.
Each team member chose a New York non-profit and designed a bespoke card to send them, with a handwritten message that expressed their gratitude and respect for the organization. The design brief parameters included a two-sided postcard format, a color palette of pink, red and Elmwood gray, and a limit of 50-words for the message on the back. Other than that they could let their creative juices run wild!
The final designs were printed on a matte cardstock with a lovely red edge. Then the personal message was written and the cards were mailed out in time for February 14th. In recognition and support of their cause, the NYC team made a monetary donation to each charitable organization featured. Have a look at the list of charities below, and in the spirit of ‘spreading the love’ this Valentine’s Day, perhaps you’d like to make a donation too.
Signed, sealed and delivered,
Elmwood NYC
Here’s the list of charities featured:
Alzheimer’s Assoiciation
Dedicating their time to try and eliminate Alzheimer’s disease, provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia.
“Having grandparents on both side of my family suffer from Alzheimers, it’s a foundation I hold dear to my heart. I appreciate the awareness, education and support they raise for the illness.” Samantha Barbagiovanni, Senior Designer
Art-Start
Providing underprivileged, homeless and at-risk New York City youth with free access to art programs, creating an important outlet for expression.
Barc Shelter
A friendly neighbourhood shelter that really care about furry friends in need.
“The NY studio is full of animal lovers so thisfelt like the perfect opportunity to showcase BARC.” Ning Juang, Designer
Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary
Started in 2005 by a mother daughter team to answer the need for a safe place for blind cats that were deemed not adoptable by regular shelters.
Brain & Behavior Foundation
Funding breakthroughs in scientific research while offering support and resources to families effected by mental illness.
“This organization is close to my heart because my younger brother has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, an illness that is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.” Jamie Connell, Designer
Breast Cancer Foundation
The highest rated breast cancer research organization in the US, working to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing research.
Colon Cancer Research
Providing screenings, support and information about colon cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the US.
“Many people are wary when it comes to getting tested. CCA helps spread the message that screening for colon cancer can save lives.” Teri Bowen, Account Coordinator
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America
Funding research, education, and patient support for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), working to find a cure and improve the quality of life of those living with IBS.
Dress for Success
Empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
“This organization provides women the courage and determination to help them meet their career aspiration.” Julia Mastantuono, Account Director
God’s Love We Deliver
Providing 5,400+ daily meals and nutrition counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other life-altering illnesses, who cannot shop or cook for themselves.
KaBoom
Bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all children, particularly those growing up in poverty in America.
Michael J. Fox Foundation
Dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease, standing by the powerful message “Our challenges don’t define us.Our actions do”.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
An organization which pairs up volunteers with an elderly neighbor in the community to help escort them to and from appointments or the grocery store, all while getting to know each other.
New York Cares
A 27 year old charity that has collected an amazing 1.7 million coats for the homeless, bringing tangible care and warmth to a real growing band of people in need.
“An authentic person to person charity that makes a difference.” Ben Greengrass, Creative Director
North Shore Animal League
Saving the lives of innocent dogs, cats, puppies and kitten since 1944 – over 1,000,000 to date!
“My boyfriend and I adopted our dog Max from North Shore, the most loving pit-lab-hound mix you’ll ever meet!” Samantha Barbagiovanni, Senior Designer
No More
A unifying symbol and campaign to raise public awareness and engage bystanders around ending domestic violence and sexual assault.
“I want to do my part in raising awareness and to be involved in the movement to say NO MORE.” Jessie McGuire, Strategy Director
Power My Learning
Providing underfunded schools and low income families with technology and programs that help educate their youth.
Rainforest Alliance
Completely dedicated to the conservation of the rainforest, offering certification to consumer products that are sustainably grown, maintained and harvested in the rainforest.
Sean Casey Animal Rescue
Specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of dogs, cats, reptiles, birds and small mammals.
“There’s a shelter by my house in Brooklyn where I volunteer to walk the dogs – it’s a great way to get them out the cage, socialized and potentially adopted.” Samantha Barbagiovanni, Senior Designer
Willie Mae Rock Camp
A camp in Brooklyn that brings girls and women together to express self-expression through music and build meaningful alliances.
“They empower young women and help them develop the confidence to go out and rock it!” Martha Kirby, Senior Account Manager