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I think collecting Canadian Tire money is the first loyalty program I participated in.
The program itself started in 1961 (long before I had a bank account) and has blossomed from a cash reward vehicle to now include supporting a relevant cause. Everyone in Canada knows Canadian tire – our hardware, autoware, homeware and sportswear provider – and their Jump Start program is also now very visible.
Kids whose families can’t afford organized sports were often left out until Canadian Tire started the Jump Start program to support them.
But Canadian Tire didn’t do it alone. They engaged their customers to be a part of the action.
Together, over the last 10 years, we have helped almost 950,000 kids get involved.
Now, there are thousands of other causes and efforts out there that are equally as meaningful and necessary.
I’m using Canadian Tire to make a point.
I imagine that very few of us are in a position to help all 950,000 kids be physically active, make new friends, and boost their confidence by playing sports.
But we all too often minimize the effect we have as an individual in contributing modestly.
Aha – “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito in the room” Dalai Lama
By taking the position that your small contribution to humankind is insignificant, you’ll likely invest less of yourself.
If just once you planted a tree, sent a thank-you card, ran in a charity event, used only candles for light, rode your bike to work, shared your wisdom to a group, babysat, ignited an idea, donated your shoes, listened … you would have made such impact.
Now imagine if each of us did all of those things … just once.
See? In the bigger picture, YOUR contribution is HUGE!
Be the change.