Is Bell Let’s Talk Day a clever marketing ploy or a generous and innovative method to raise awareness (and tons of money) of mental health issues?
Call me naïve, but I think the latter. If it was a marketing ploy they would offer to donate 5 cents for every NEW CUSTOMER that tweeted, posted, shared, etc. Obviously, they could only reward the phone calls and texts from their own customers, but all other methods of communicating the Let’s Talk message were open to all forms of social media, using any account, anywhere. Rewards were generated from people all over Canada and around the world, regardless of who provides their cell phone or internet services.
Another argument could be made on the fact that BCE ( Bell Canada Enterprises) is not in the health care industry. Yes, they are a telecommunications mogul here in Canada, but only a company with that status could achieve such success raising money for initiatives they have no monetary stake in.
The fact is mental health is fast becoming a major issue in societies worldwide. The more people are made aware of the issue, the more money is raised. The more money raised, the more progress will be made. Social media is definitely a clever way to promote global awareness. After all, social media is the reason we now live in a very small world.
I don’t mind saying I am getting tired of all the negativity, the “glass half full” attitudes, the nay-sayers. Yes, mental health should be talked about all year round and not just on one day. But, which other major fundraising events, telethons, etc happen more than once a year? If other companies or groups think they can do a better job at raising awareness and money, let them put their money where their mouth is. What have we got to lose by participating? Not a thing. Bell is the one footing the bill.
Results are in. Last year (2017) results tallied 131.7 million interactions which raised 6.6 million dollars. This year 138.4 million interactions raised 6.9 million dollars. Good job folks, and Bell, and yes, keep talking!
