UPDATE: Old Spice Challenge

I was totally thrilled to play along quietly. And then… In Old Spice video #4 addressed to me, the dashing Old Spice Man said (in only the way he can): “So… tell me what to do next”. Well… sounded like an invitation to me and… an innovative way to potentially do something good. So I put on the largest towel I had (more like a moo moo with a pocket) and made my own video, in my bathroom, using my iPhone.

Now, anyone that knows me or follows me on twitter knows that I’ve used Twitter to successfully raise money in the past. I had great success with my last challenge for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. In case you weren’t following me on twitter then, I challenged corporations with just a single tweet to match my 50k donation to UNICEF for the Haiti Relief Fund. From three corporations and 1 anonymous donor, I was able to raise $400,000 for UNICEF, exceeding my challenge and just being blown away. I also gave up my Birthday last for a charity:water campaign and we were able to build 18 clean water projects in Ethiopia.

So, yeah, my mentality going into the challenge was – Old Spice used my name for 4 videos and by doing so, created a lot of buzz for the brand and viral campaign. “So tell me what to do next,” seemed like an invitation I couldn’t refuse. I knew Old Spice would continue to get exposure from the exchange and visibility from my Twitter community. I did the only thing I thought that would have some positive impact and relevance – I told Mr. Old Spice what to do next just as he asked. I told him to “ to keep our relationship a’goin-on, you must make a 100,000 dollar donation to the National Wildlife Federation Gulf Relief Fund”. I think a lot of people thought I was challenging the actor who plays Old Spice Man (brilliantly, I might add) to make that donation. I was not. I was challenging the Old Spice brand, which is owned by Procter and Gamble, to make the donation. This would be my invitation back to them to do something awesome.

Here’s where we are now… I’ve been speaking with Beth who isn’t from Procter & Gamble but from the PR firm that represents them (I think that’s where she is from. Wherever she is from, she has been wonderful in answering my many questions). Beth has told me about the abundant philanthropic partnerships Procter & Gamble has and donations they’ve made. As Beth proudly tells it: “In the last few months P&G donated 5x your requested donation to the International Bird Rescue Research Center and the Marine Mammal Center and they are about to start that campaign again, which should result in another donation of $500,000.” Beth has also shared that 12,000 bottles of Dawn Liquid Soap has been sent to clean the wildlife. This is awesome. Beyond awesome and it makes me happy (seriously, way to go P&G). I do feel that I should add that on the IBRRC website it says that BP is funding their Gulf clean-up efforts and that any donations made will NOT be going to Gulf clean-up efforts but to their other programs. I may be misreading it but you can see for yourself here: http://www.ibrrc.org/ Also, it is unclear from the Marine Mammal Center website if donations are going to the clean-up efforts or if they are also receiving BP funding. But I did see: “Each bottle of Dawn you purchase can contribute one dollar to the important wildlife conservation efforts of The Marine Mammal Center and the International Bird Rescue Research Center.” Regardless of what this means (cause I honestly don’t have a clue), I applaud P&G on all their philanthropic work and the donation of 500k to these organizations.

This is all my roundabout way of saying it looks as though my specific challenge for National Wildlife Federation’s Gulf Coast Relief Fund will NOT be met by P&G BUT… the lovely Beth assures me that Proctor and Gamble would like to do something to acknowledge my challenge and will brainstorm some ideas. I have reiterated numerous times that it is important to me, that whatever they decide, I would like for it to be focused on the Gulf relief and clean up efforts. They’re actively talking about how they might cap off this back and forth with something great. I’m appreciative of the time and effort they’ve dedicated to the challenge. We all know they could do nothing at all. The fact they would do anything, makes my heart happy.

And again, I want to thank everyone for their support with Tweets and ReTweets about my Old Spice challenge. I believe it’s because of YOU and the exposure you’ve given the challenge that P&G has taken this as seriously as they have. So… thank you, thank you, thank you.

Adore you all.

Stay tuned….

Peace,
Light,
And Love,
Alyssa