THIS photo became a viral hit on the Internet the day Hurricane Sandy crashed into the East Coast. Everyone thought it captured the honor guard in front of the Tombs of the Unknowns in Washington, D.C. as hurricane rains and winds poured down on them. It turns out the picture was from a storm in September. No matter. The guard was there for Hurricane Sandy too – just as they’ve been there in the heat, rain and snow since 1948. The photo is a powerful reminder of how our military is on duty every second of every day. It’s fitting that we’ll pause to thank them on Sunday, Veterans Day. Here’s our salute to seven Veterans Day cause marketing programs.
SHUTTERFLY THANKS THE TROOPS
The online photo site Shutterfly hopes to get a thank you card into the hands of every military service member and veteran in a VA hospital this holiday season. That’s 1.5 million men and women! Sending a free card is easy. Americans can use Shutterfly’s Thank the Troops Facebook app, select a card, add a personal message or photo, and share the card to their Facebook feed to inspire friends to create their own card. Shutterfly will take care of the printing and delivery. The completed cards will be distributed to troops and veterans with the help from A Million Thanks organization.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES GIVES BACK TO THE BRAVE
Southwest Airlines is saying thank you to Veterans, both past and present, in many ways during November. You can see a full listing here. One notable way is their involvement in the Honor Flight Network, which has connected more than 4,500 World War II Veterans with their memorial in Washington, D.C. This year, Southwest Airlines renewed its support of Honor Flight travel for the next three years.
HAGGAR SPONSORS TRADE-IN EVENT FOR TROOPS
Haggar is showing who wears the pants when it comes to thanking troops with a trade-in event to raise money to help veterans. The goal is to have customers bring in any brand of gently worn pants to a Stage Store. The pants will be donated to The Purple Heart Service Foundation, which will sell them at their stores. The funds raised will aid veterans in need. Last year, over 10,000 pairs of pants were donated during the trade-in event and then resold through Purple Heart Thrift Stores. Everyone donating pants to this worthy cause will be able to purchase any new Haggar casual or dress pant for just $24.99.
FREE B&B STAYS FOR VETS
This Sunday, hundreds of innkeepers in the U.S. and Canada will open their doors to offer free overnight stays followed by breakfast to veterans and active military, and one guest. It is the fourth year for the B&Bs for Vets program. Participating properties will offer at least one free room for one night. Some inns are offering second nights at a discount. Veterans can book their stays here!
REBUILDING TOGETHER, CAESARS FOUNDATION, CASINO EMPLOYEES JOIN FORCES TO REBUILD SAFE, HEALTHY AND ENERGY EFFICIENT HOUSING FOR VETERANS*
Rebuilding Together is committed to safe and healthy housing for everyone, including a special focus area on Veterans. In New Orleans, Caesars’ HERO volunteers from Harrah’s New Orleans Casino will rebuild the home of a displaced U.S. Vietnam War Veteran.
In addition to creating sustainable home improvements for Veterans, through November 12th Caesars Entertainment will make a donation to Rebuilding Together (up to a total of $50,000). Guests can swipe their Total Rewards cards daily to trigger a donation, buy Pepsi products or purchase limited edition t-shirts designed by popular New Orleans artist, Terrance Osborne. Guests will also have the opportunity to make a direct donation or convert Total Rewards points to cash for Rebuilding Together. Donate here [Please indicate Harrah’s or Caesars in the notes section of the donation form.]
50 BACK BREWS SUPPORT FOR 5 MILITARY CHARITIES
Here’s a fun way to thank a veteran. Buy him or her a beer. Available in Massachusetts, Texas and Maine, 50 Back Beer is the brew of the brave! This American lager gives 50% of its net profits back to five organizations that support America’s troops. The charities include the USO and Homes for Our Troops.
TREES FOR TROOPS DELIVERS CHRISTMAS SPIRIT TO TROOPS ABROAD
One Tree at a Time This seasonal program kicks off after Veterans Day but continues the spirit of thanks right through the holiday season. Working with FedEx and tree growers across the United States, Trees for Troops will deliver 12,000 Christmas trees to troops deployed abroad in such places as Kuwait and Afghanistan. These seven programs express what we all want to say to our service men and women on Veterans Day: THANK YOU!
