the bike ride across Vietnam event (BRAVE) logo

Have you ever considered the impact your business has on the wider world? Have you stopped to think how this could be used in a positive way?

The official term — corporate social responsibility. But I prefer to strip away the jargon and cold tone and call it, “giving just because you can contribute and make a difference”. Since it’s the right thing to do, you get this wonderfully positive warm and gooey feeling inside! That may sound corny to some but there’s no other way to say it. Of course we can’t (and don’t intend to) get away from the fact that we’ll get some publicity from this, but it’s about mutual benefit.

I bumped into Gary Johannes in the butchers and he asked for some design support for a charity event he had in mind. It took less than five minutes of his story and I was in. Here’s why:

1. It’s based on an extraordinary story of strength and a powerful personal story.
2. It’s a respectful and gracious way that Gary and his family could say thank you for the support they got from the children’s ward at Stoke Mandeville’s Spinal Unit.
3. I’m not a big believer in free flowing, no questions asked money based charity (otherwise known as aid) but I do believe in action based giving.

The charity idea went on to become BRAVE – Bike Ride Across Vietnam Event. Christopher, Gary’s son, broke his back and was told it was unlikely that he would ever walk again. Fighting the odds, Christopher and Gary will bravely bike ride across Vietnam in 2010. The time we spent crafting the BRAVE logo and creating the banner stand was our humble and simple attempt to contribute to something tangible.

You can read the full remarkable story here and here. Funds raised will be donated to Stoke Mandeville’s Spinal Unit who helped Christopher on his journey to walk again. Why don’t you take part?