Giving the gift of a CSR day
Many companies, big and small, understand the power of Corporate Social Responsibility. From the top, creating a CSR strategy can attract and retain employees whose values match the company’s, improve brand perception, create customer engagement and accountability to shareholders. But, our experience of CSR from the charity perspective is a little different. There are so many benefits to employees, their loved ones and the wider community - especially when letter writing is involved.
Enhanced creativity
Stepping away from the screen and engaging with a creative activity has far reaching benefits for individuals and businesses alike. The corporate world is now truly seeing the value in encouraging innovation via creative thought and activities, but it’s something that can always be added to. By using the mindful experience of letter writing, you can free up new ideas, spark discussion with colleagues and find new forms of self-expression. Not only do we receive incredibly inventive letters, we also see other skills coming to the fore - painting, drawing, calligraphy, puzzles and handmade envelope-sized gifts being added to the written word.
In it together
Letters fight against isolation, but sometimes writing can feel like it should be an activity to do alone. We love to work with groups, and whether you’re home- or office-based, a letter writing workshop is a great way to bring a company or team together. For the Vrbo / Expedia UK teams, they required something in between so we created a hybrid version to ensure everyone could get involved. We’re also happy to work with you to adapt workshops to be part of team building activities, be that for CSR or ESG purposes or part of a wider employee programme.
Holding up a mirror
Self-reflection can sound like a difficult process, especially when done in a workplace environment, but letter writing can be an excellent way to help yourself and others to open up. At its core, it can enable self-expression. Also, and especially as it is Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s important to note the effect it can have on the brain - normalising feelings and allowing you to process them in different ways. By sharing stories and experiences in letter form, you’re not only processing your feelings on the page but also providing an escape into another life that is easily accessible to someone who is living with cancer: an incredible gift for both sides.
Write as much or as little and as often as you like
Writing letters creates connection in ways that the digital world can’t quite reach. Whether you’re donating letters to us as a one off, would like to write regularly, or would like to reach out to a loved one - you immediately become part of a community who are using letters to express themselves and form closer connections.
Nickie donated her #givingback day from her employers Iris Software Group to From Me to You and filled it with writing beautiful letters to our recipients.
A little more than letter writing
For some, donating their “Giving Back” day to letter writing can be the perfect exercise, however you may have other skills you’d like to donate instead. Along with letter writers, we’re always looking for support in fundraising, marketing and PR, outreach and liaison to potential letter outlets… the list goes on. We’re working with Goodsted to post opportunities as they arise (watch this space!) but we always love to see what others can offer us - if you’d like to discuss how your skills could help From Me to You with a project or in the long term, please contact us.