The Huffington Post writes… “One UK company is thinking outside of the box when it comes to helping homeless youth.
Advertising group Publicis and its charity client, Depaul UK, recently founded theDepaul Box Company, which sells recycled cardboard boxes and uses the profits to support Britain’s homeless youth. The company also spreads awareness by sharing a story on each box about the young people it helps.
On the outside of each box is a profile aboout a homeless youth whom Depaul UK has either helped or is planning to help — such as Stephanie. After her abusive mother kicked Stephanie out of the house at the age of 17, she turned to Depaul UK, which helped her go back to school and find a home. Stephanie’s box profile mentions that, “She’s now studying to become a social worker and hopes to get a flat of her own, so the only thing she’ll need a cardboard box for is carrying books.”
The company has also launched an ad campaign that features graphic designs and inspiring messages on cardboard box backdrops. Its Twitter page features posts such as, “Every box we sell helps a young person sleeping on one. Good Karma in a cardboard box.”
The project is self-sustaining.
In a recent article for the Guardian, Depaul UK CEO Martin Houghton-Brown mentioned that the company aims to generate $4.6 million in annual proceeds within the next few years, all benefiting homeless youth.
Tags: Depaul UK, Homelessness, poverty, strategies
