For the second year in a row, Toronto’s Fuse Marketing Group is fundraising for a family in need through the Children’s Aid Society.
Dubbed “Operation Secret Santa,” a variety of fundraising activities are happening throughout this week at the ad agency, such as an auction for a vacation day or sales of Operation Secret Santa-branded hats.
But thanks in large part to a holiday lunch attended by about 55 staff on Tuesday (pictured at right), Fuse has already surpassed its goal to raise $1000 for the family.
Everyone that came to the lunch donated $10 to nosh on food (which included a famed butter chicken prepared by staff volunteers).
“We do lots of charity work and pro bono work at Fuse, but I always find that at the holiday season the staff really like to get behind something,” said Fuse president Stephen Brown.
As part of the fundraising, Fuse staff can choose to purchase a gift for the family for a Secret Santa Tree. “The idea that you’re supporting them – both by giving them gifts… but also things like food and other things the family needs – just feels more holistic,” said Brown.
In an especially brave move of the vocal variety, Brown and Laura Fisher, director of live brand experiences, went caroling around the office. “I think people paid us to shut us up,” said Brown. “Listen, I’ll do anything for a buck for a good cause.”
