SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) After a tough year, a new movement is calling on everyone to ditch the April Fools’ Day shenanigans and instead, use the day to give back to the people and causes making our lives better.
Inspired by a study finding that those who witness even a single act of gratitude are more inspired to join in and express gratitude themselves, T-Mobile is calling on customers, employees, fans, brands and companies to transform this April 1 and #GiveThanksNotPranks.
“We always have so much fun pulling big stunts on April Fools’ Day, but once again this year, it just makes sense to refocus all of that energy to transform this day and instead, send thanks to the heroes going above and beyond to keep us all afloat in these challenging times,” says Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile.
Launched last year as a way to pause during the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledge frontline workers, this year, the hope is to make a positive impact on communities through donations and a wave of shout-outs on social media. After a year during which educators quickly adapted to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, T-Mobile is kicking things off to help give $500,000 through the nonprofit education crowdfunding site, DonorsChoose.
DonorsChoose empowers hardworking public school teachers to request the classroom resources they need and gives donors a chance to support requests that inspire them. Through April 1, T-Mobile is offering three simple ways that individuals can participate:
1. Share: Customers and fans can thank any person who has gone the extra mile by sharing stories on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the #GiveThanksNotPranks hashtag. T-Mobile will donate $5 to DonorsChoose for each post up to the $500,000 campaign total.
2. Donate: T-Mobile will match individual donations made directly to its DonorsChoose campaign up to the $500,000 campaign total.
3. Text: Customers and fans, regardless of their wireless carrier, can donate $5 of their own to DonorsChoose by texting THANKS to 50555. Text and data rates may apply, and charges will appear on the next month’s bill.
This is bigger than just one company though, it’s a collective effort to benefit the greater good. Other brands are joining in this give-back movement too, including those with strong philanthropic programs like Motorola, OnePlus, SanMar, Wattpad, Mattress Firm, Sleep.com and Drone Racing League. All have already pledged their support to pause the pranks and instead give donations to non-profit organizations. TikTok is also participating, bringing their community in with a hashtag challenge. To learn more or find other ways to get involved, follow @TMobile on Twitter and visit givethanksnotpranks.com.
“I love that we’re kicking this effort off by recognizing our amazing teachers and helping them better support our students,” said Sievert. “This is a perfect way to say thank you for all their efforts and get them better set up for the future!”
After a year of navigating the pandemic together, the world can use a dose of appreciation, say event organizers, and an innovative approach to April Fools’ Day is the perfect time for it.
