In early February of this year a friend of KUPE’s nominated us for Edelman’s Little Give – Established in 2008, “The Little Give” is Edelman Canada’s annual corporate social responsibility initiative that dedicates a little bit of seed money and a whole lot of time and energy to worthy non-profit organizations working to make a difference in the lives of children and youth. The Little Give took place over 48 hours in three Canadian cities simultaneously—Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver—from 4pm Thursday June 3rd to 4pm Saturday June 5th, 2010. So what happened with KUPE and Edelman over the 48 hrs?
On Thursday June 3, 2010 – Day 2 of our Spring semester recording day – Jarel and I, go to Edelman Toronto for the launch of this amazing 48hr challenge. After the kickoff with Edelman staff and the other 9 partners participating in the Little Give, we were introduced to our team – Team Purposeterous Awesomesauce. The challenge we presented them with – help KUPE find a permanent home. Yup – we asked them to find us a home in 48hrs… Before they got to that though, Team Awesome {our name for them}, said “we want to see your current home and what you do”. At 8:13pm, Team Awesome, Jarel and I arrive at the center for KUPE’s Outside The Box Music Program’s recording day where our team got to meet Sway, Ekow, the engineering team, some parents, a teacher or 2 and hear the kids record their vocals. Team Purposeterous Awesomesauce was psyched for the challenge!
Jarel and Alicia @ Edelman Toronto offices meeting with the team
The Edelman team in the recording booth with one of our talented singers
On Friday June 4, 2010 – Bright and early, Edelman’s Team Purposeterous Awesomesauce are so ready! Members of the team were doing groundwork in Parkdale, making connections with the BIA, local businesses, real estate agents and speaking to community members. Other teammates were completing the finishing touches on the NOTEXNOTE campaign – a thoughtful plan to engage the community, the KUPE team, talented musicians and the Parkdale BIA.
The logo created by our Edelman team for the campaign
Rosalind on the street in Parkdale checking in with the rest of the team at the Edelman offices
Rachel H. at the offices making it happen
The rest of the Edelman team at the offices hammering out some details
The result was a flash jam/fundraiser from 4 to 7pm that day. Live Music, Community Outreach, Fundraising and Teamwork at it’s finest coming together to make a difference. All in the first 24hrs!!!!
Sway and a young guitarist making music in Parkdale at the Flash Jam
On Saturday June 5, 2010 – At 2:30pm Sway, Jarel and I attended the Edelman’s Little Give Wrap Party. In good fun there was a competitive aspect to the Little Give {between the 10 teams helping their partners} and we’re pleased to announce WE WON!!!!! Our Team Purposeterous Awesomesauce went above and beyond anyone’s expectations and has had a tremendous impact on KUPE but more importantly on the youth we so happily serve!
Alicia and Jarel hearing the results of the Edelman team’s work for the first time
Sway’s reaction – priceless!!
More tears!!
Our team wins the Edelman Little Game for their work with us on the Little Give – confusing I know but trust me it was a good thing as you can see, they totally deserved it.
Sway with some trophy love!
KUPE Arts Society would like to thank Edelman’s Little Give, The Parkdale BIA {Marcus McLean}, The Parkdale village Community, The Musicians who played the Flash Jam {and the Musicians that would have} and the generous donors {twoonies can make a difference!} who gave their time and resources to make this experience so meaningful!
Sway, Jarel and I would like to personally Thank Team Purposeterous Awesomesauce of Edelman – Robyn A., Sara R., Stephanie M., Rachel S., Cynthia I., Yomi O., Rosalind O., and Rachel H.{thank you for nominating us} for their extraordinary hard work, consideration, expertise and incredible results!
