CreateAthon tackles branding challenges for local non-profits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2014

WATERLOO REGION — JUNE 23, 2014 — Applications are now open to find several charitable non-profit organizations for CreateAthon Waterloo Region 2014, a graphic-design all-nighter at Conestoga College in October.

CreateAthons are held across North America to provide charitable agencies with free improvements to the look of websites, logos and other elements of marketing.

Two Blonde Chicks Inc., a design and marketing company in Kitchener, sponsors the event in Waterloo Region. Capacity Waterloo Region is a partner.

“This is about making a difference through design,” says Jolene MacDonald, co-founder of Two Blonde Chicks. “All these organizations are so purposeful, but they aren’t going to be successful if they don’t have good marketing tools.’’

Once a committee has selected the agencies, second- and third-year graphic-design students at Conestoga College will work around the clock Oct. 24 to come up with branding improvements that can elevate their community profile.

“It is a rare opportunity that a charitable organization in Waterloo Region can get its advertising campaign produced, its brochures designed, its brand rebranded or its website designed — for free,” says Matt Miller, an executive-in-residence at Capacity. “We have several teams of students, backed by seasoned professional art directors, who will put together lively communications packages.”

Eight agencies in Waterloo Region received about $100,000 worth of design-and-marketing work during CreateAthon 2013. Founded in South Carolina in 1996, CreateAthon has taken on about 2,500 projects for more than 1,100 charitable non-profits in North America and abroad. That work is valued at more than $11 million.

“The students get some real-world experience,’’ says John Baljkas, a graphic-design professor at Conestoga College. “They have deadlines to meet. It’s a truly collaborative experience, and they learn about giving back to the community.”

Visit capacitywr.ca/createathon to complete the online application form. The deadline is 4 p.m. Aug. 11.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Miller
Executive in Residence
Capacity Waterloo Region
[email protected]
Office: 519-513-2606 x6
Mobile: 226-749-3893

Jolene MacDonald
Creative Director/Partner
Two Blonde Chicks Inc.
[email protected]
519-585-0036

John Baljkas
Professor, Graphic Design
Conestoga College
[email protected]
519-748-5220 x3431

Capacity Waterloo Region brings together the ideas, people and resources that drive social change.  Our vision is to change lives through courageous community organizations.  We are accomplishing this by providing non-profit leaders new resources and professional support that enhances leadership skills, stimulates cross-sector collaboration, promotes knowledge sharing, and encourages social innovation.