The Helping Hand Project: Giving Back, One Week at a Time

Throughout my career in communications and marketing, I’ve been privileged to work with incredible organizations and brilliant teams. One of the most rewarding experiences I had was during my time at Edelman Vancouver, where I participated in The Little Give. This initiative empowered employees to use their skills to help local non-profits, and the impact was undeniable—not only for the organizations we supported but for everyone who took part.

Those experiences stuck with me, and now, as an independent consultant, I’ve been reflecting on how I can give back in a way that’s meaningful and aligned with my own values. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my own initiative: The Helping Hand Project.

Why The Helping Hand Project?

The idea for The Helping Hand Project has been brewing for some time. I’ve always believed in the power of using our unique skills to make a difference. Whether it’s helping an organization amplify their voice, solve a communications challenge or plan a marketing campaign, I’ve seen how targeted expertise can have a lasting impact.

Through The Helping Hand Project, I’m offering one Canadian registered charity or non-profit organization a full week of my time—40 hours of marketing and communications expertise—completely free of charge. My goal is to make a tangible, meaningful difference for a non-profit doing incredible work but in need of additional support to achieve their goals.

What Inspired This Initiative?

My time at Edelman played a big role in shaping my perspective on giving back. The Little Give was designed to bring Edelman employees together to support non-profits, and it was both humbling and inspiring to see the results. But as a one-person consultancy, I knew I’d need to adapt the concept to reflect my own approach, and giving a full week of time feels like the right approach to ensure I can make a meaningful impact.

The Helping Hand Project is my way of combining my skills, passion and curiosity to make an impact. I’m excited to focus on providing real value to an organization that needs it—whether that’s through strategic guidance, crafting compelling messaging or developing a project that elevates their communications or marketing.

With some Edelman colleagues at the 2014 Little Give in Vancouver.

How It Works

The summer months tend to be quieter in my consulting work, making it the perfect time to dedicate my focus to this important initiative. Here’s the plan:

• Eligibility: The project is open to Canadian registered charities and non-profit organizations.

• Applications: Organizations can apply in April 2025.

• Selection Process: I’ll review applications, shortlist candidates, and invite them to interviews to ensure the best fit. The selected charity will be announced in May 2025.

• Project Timeline: The work will be completed during the summer of 2025, with specific timing to be determined in collaboration with the selected organization.

My hope is to find an organization whose mission and goals resonate with me—one where my expertise can create lasting value.

Why This Matters

Non-profits and charities often operate with limited resources, and communications and marketing can sometimes fall by the wayside when budgets are stretched. But clear, compelling messaging and effective marketing strategies can make all the difference in amplifying their work and reaching the people who need it most.

By donating my time and expertise, I aim to give one organization the support they need to overcome a challenge, tell their story more effectively or simply take a project off their long to-do list.

Ready to Join Me?

Applications for The Helping Hand Project will open in April 2025, and all the details will be shared right here on my blog. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter at the bottom of this page to stay informed. If you know a Canadian charity that could benefit, please share this page and encourage them to sign up as well!

This project is about more than giving back; it’s about making a meaningful difference through the skills and experience I’ve built over my career. I can’t wait to get started and see where this journey takes me.

—Brock