University of Southern California Communications Discussion
Shopify, the Ottawa-based ecommerce company, prides itself on its commitment to employees whoreceive generous benefits and enjoy a supportive corporate culture. This core value may have contributedto the company’s ranking as the top place to work in Canada.6 The software giant is also known for itscommunity involvement and corporate social responsibility efforts. This is why, like most large companies,Shopify receives many requests for sponsorships of charity events and community projects. True to itsinnovative spirit, the software company has streamlined the application process by providing an onlinesponsorship request form at its website.
You work in Corporate Affairs/Community Relations at Shopify and periodically help decide which nonprofits will obtain support. Just yesterday you received an email from the Pink Dragons of Ottawa-Hull, a dragon boat racing team of breast cancer survivors. The ancient Chinese sport has spread around the globe with competitions held not only in Asia but also in many Western countries. Dragon boat racing has gained popularity in North America among breast cancer patients who bond with fellow survivors, engage in healthy competition, and exercise regularly on the water. Synchronicity and technique are more important than brute strength, which is the main reason even recreational paddlers enjoy this fast-growing water sport.
The newly formed survivor team would like Shopify to sponsor a dragon boat festival in Toronto in less than a month, an event potentially drawing at least 20 survivor teams that would compete against one another. Your company is already funding several cancer charities and has a policy of sponsoring many causes. Naturally, no corporate giving program has infinite funds, nor can it say yes to every request. Shopify steers clear of religious, political, and sexually explicit events. The team judging the sponsorship entries wants to ensure that each proposal reaches audiences affiliated with Shopify. Most important, applicants must submit their requests at least six weeks before the event.
Your Task.As a junior staff member in Corporate Affairs/Community Relations, write an email to PinkDragon captain Josephine Rosa (jrosa@pinkdragons.ca) refusing her initial request and explaining theShopify sponsorship philosophy and submission rules.
