Do you know someone who exemplifies the meanings of service and kindness? I just interviewed the president of CommonKindness.com, a unique organization that helps families save money while supporting charities at the same time. Calandra Cruickshank is one example of a tireless warrior who works to make a positive difference in the lives of others everyday. She just shared with me that time is running out to nominate a “community celebrity” for a chance to win a fabulous (and free!) six-day cruise to the Carribean in January. If you know someone who is deserving and worthy of such an honor, please visit the CommonKindness website for more information and to submit your nomination. The deadline for entries is 11:59 p.m. ET on October 31st, 2009… so hurry up!
To learn more about the CommonKindness organization, check out my interview with Calandra:
Mommy Reporter: What is the background/history of CommonKindness?
Calandra: CommonKindness was founded in 2009 by a board of ‘kindness-oriented’ corporate executives, including Andrew Martin, former founding chairman of several successful businesses, including SmartFood, Inc. and Annie’s Homegrown. The business was created to help families save money on their groceries and other purchases using online coupons and discounts, while supporting nonprofits and helping to stimulate local economies. Each time a person uses online coupons and discounts with CommonKindness, they generate funds to support their favorite charities and causes, from their children’s local soccer clubs to animal shelters, places of worship and volunteer fire departments to major national non-profits. CommonKindness shares 60% of its profits with the non-profit organizations participating on its site. CommonKindness is completely free of charge to both non-profits and the public. Revenues are generated through advertising fees paid by the companies who post their coupons and discounts.
Mommy Reporter: Why is it so important that CommonKindness recognizes those who are doing good within our communities?
Calandra: People typically volunteer simply to do the right thing and for the good of their community, and not for any personal recognition or gain. CommonKindness would like these people to take a bow and be rewarded for their selfless service for others. In addition, volunteerism and charitable giving are expected to be way down this year. CommonKindness would like to recognize the difference “everyday heroes” make by volunteering to help improve our local communities and the world. This contest is co-sponsored with Cabot Creamery Cooperative and Celebrity Cruises.
Mommy Reporter: What types of individuals are eligible to be considered?
No act of kindness is too small… Anyone volunteering to leave their community and the world a little bit better is eligible to be entered into the contest! This might include a volunteer fireman, a volunteer at your local library, school or hospice, your pastor or other religious leader, or a Little League or soccer coach, and more.
Mommy Reporter: Are there any other projects you are currently working on? Or anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Calandra: People can save an average of $1,300 a year using online coupons and discounts with CommonKindness. It’s a very simple formula: If you spend 15 minutes a week clipping coupons with CommonKindness before your weekly trip to the grocery store and occasionally use an online discount before making a clothing, travel, home goods or other purchase, that totals 13 hours a year. That equates to an average savings of $100 an hour! http://www.commonkindness.com/coupons
CommonKindness offers “the gift that gives thrice.” When you use CommonKindness to purchase a gift, you receive a discount, you give a gift to make someone happy and you help generate funds for your favorite non-profit. Or, select a non-profit you know the receiver of your gift cares about to make the gift even more personal!
Businesses across the country can now place coupons for their products and services on CommonKindness to encourage consumers to “buy local” while also supporting non-profits. http://www.commonkindness.com/more/For-Businesses
Non-profits can create their own free micro-sites on CommonKindness to increase awareness about the programs and services they offer and help generate sustainable funds. They can also create free online campaigns using email and eNewsletter tools provided on the site. http://www.commonkindness.com/more/for-non-profits
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