More Gifts that Give Back and the CSR Business Values Behind Them

The holiday shopping season is in full swing and many people are looking for gifts that do more. This is indicative of the socially conscious consumer trend where customers want to use the power of their wallets to support companies who’s CSR business values are in-line with their own. With this trend in mind, we have featured many retailers in our “gifts that give back” series to highlight companies that are doing their part. So far we’ve looked at TOMS Marketplace, AmazonSmile, Roma Boots, TOMS Eyewear, Warby Parker, Moraleyes, BOBS by Skechers, Kite, SOMB and Freewaters and today I’m writing about a few more.

• eBay Giving Works – Online auction juggernaut eBay allows both buyers and sellers on their site to donate to charity seamlessly through eBay Giving Works. eBay Giving Works “enables sellers to donate a portion of their sales and buyers to shop while supporting their favorite charities — all the while giving nonprofits an opportunity to engage new supporters.” Through this program eBay allows nonprofits to connect with their over 100 million members. To date this program has raised approximately $3349, 881,200. Those wanting to donate can look up a charity by name or find one that fits a cause they wish to support. Thus when you’re buying or selling gifts this season or throughout the year you’re able to make a difference.
• Songs for the Philippines – Another great gift idea would be the CD “Songs for the Philippines” to help raise funds in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Major record labels and stars banned together to put together this CD with all the proceeds going to the Philippines. The CD features 39 songs from various artists including: The Beatles, Michael Bublé, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Eminem, Cher, Adele, Katy Perry, One Direction, fun., Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Alicia Keys, Madonna, Pink, Kings of Leon, Kelly Clarkson, Pitbull, Christina Aguilera and many more. All of the proceeds from the sale of this CD will go to Philippine Red Cross.
• Better World Books – Better World Books is a triple bottom line company, meaning they’ve built social and environmental considerations into their business model. They have also adopted the “One for One” policy as they will donate to “Books for Africa, one of [their] longtime non-profit literacy partners, and Feed the Children, who have been champions in finding new homes for books” whenever a customer buys a book through their site. Additionally they offer a “carbon offset program that covered emissions generated when books were shipped to [their] customers, to one that covers emissions associated both with shipping and [their] company’s other operations and activities.” So you can order a textbook, a book as a gift or the next item on your reading list while doing something good.

You can use a gift as an opportunity to open other people’s eyes to the fact that socially conscious consumerism can impact all aspects of retail as many associate the term with just indulgence. There are many companies – like the ones I’ve highlighted – that are happily helping consumers make a positive impact on the world not just during the holidays but throughout the year.

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Miratel Solutions is a Toronto call centre, eBusiness, and letter shop mail house specializing in professional fundraising services including telephone fundraising, online fundraising, lottery services, donation caging, donation processing and other donor management services. We are committed to our CSR business values in all contact centre services and mail house operations and advancing the missions of the nonprofits we proudly serve.