Recently we were able to donate 400 of our badge holders, and 400 of our round lanyards to AIESEC for their 2012-2013 US Winter National Conference.
They are present in over 113 countries and territories and have over 86,000 members! AIESEC is the world’s largest youth-run organization. They are focused on providing a platform for youth leadership development. AIESEC offers young people the opportunity to participate in international internships, experience leadership and participate in a global learning environment. What makes AIESEC unique is the youth driven impactful experience that it offers to its members. AIESEC is run by young people for young people, enabling a strong experience to all its stakeholders. In return for our donation we had them answer a few questions about their fantastic organization, and send us a few pictures of their event!

What is the name of your company or organization? Do you have a mission statement?

AIESEC is the world’s largest youth-run organization, present in over 113 countries and territories and with over 86,000 members, Focused on providing a platform for youth leadership development, AIESEC offers young people the opportunity to participate in international internships, experience leadership and participate in a global learning environment.

What was donated to you? How did it help with your event?

We received 200 dollars worth of Nametags. Your donation greatly helped us to cover our accommodation cost, resulting in making the price per delegate cheaper and opening up this opportunity to more young leaders.

What was the nature of your event (conference, charity event, party, etc.), and was it a success?

2012-2013 AIESEC US Winter National Conference’s aim was to review and analyze past performance of 43 local committees in the United States, understand deviations, and plan for the future of AIESEC US with an estimated 400 young leaders from all over the country, while participating in leadership workshops that helped develop their global mindset. AIESEC US considers your support vital to the development of our members. With your great help, the conference could be successfully hosted.

If you could describe your company/organization 3 words what would they be?

Leadership: AIESEC is a leadership platform for today’s brightest and most ambitious youth.

Network: AIESEC offers young leaders to gain access to the largest international student network in the world.

(Ex)Change: AIESEC facilitates life-changing cultural exchange of individuals to and from the farthest edges the globe.

Do you have any other comments you would like to add?

On behalf of AIESEC United States Inc., I would like to thank you for your donations. We could not have done it without you and your support to help us make this event such an amazing success. Our organization is looking forward to having a strong partnership with your organization. We hope you will honor us in the future by supporting our events and remaining in contact.

What a wonderful organization! Click the link below to visit their website!

Click here!

Recently, we had the opportunity to make a product donation to Bethesda Thrift Shop in Minnetonka, MN. Bethesda Thrift Shop is a non-profit organization that is affiliated with Bethesda Lutheran Communities. This dates back to 1904 (Wow, that is incredible!) and is based in Watertown, WI. We got a chance to talk briefly with Pat Bellefeuille, who is a store manager there. Pat was able to give us some insight into what Bethesda is all about.

“Bethesda has 21 thrift shops in eight states that rely on more than 3,000 volunteers who donate over 260,000 hours each year. 100% of our net profit goes to support our mission.” Pat’s store will be celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this Feb. It was started in 1993 and was run by all volunteers for the first 17 years.

name tags-nameplates-nametags-ribbons-lanyards-shipping — Bethesda Thrift Shop’s building.

When we asked if Bethesda Thrift Shop has a mission statement Pat responded:

“Our mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ.”

We were able to donate some of our Mighty Badges, and their accessories to the people at Bethesda Thrift. When asked what they would be used for we received a heartfelt answer.

“The name badges were are given as a way to recognize the many hours our volunteers have volunteered. We have some people who have badges with as many as 18,000 hours on them, and many who have 4,000 or more hours. At the end of each year we total the hours for each volunteer, when a they reach 500 hours of volunteering they get their first badge, when they have 1,000 hours they get another one and so on. These badges are worn with much pride by those who have earned them. They are presented at the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet we have each spring. These name badges mean a lot to our volunteers as this is about the only recognition that they get for their many years and hours of selfless service.”

In 2010 they moved from their small store in Hopkins to a much larger 17,000 sq. ft. store in Minnetonka, MN. At that time a full time manager was hired with two assistants and three part time cashiers to allow the store to be open seven days a week. In support of their mission they also have three people with disabilities who are paid staff. The current staff of about 200 volunteers includes about a dozen people with disabilities some of whom have been volunteering there for five years or more.

What a fantastic organization! They certainly deserve our continued support. Visit their website by clicking the link below, or go and visit them at their store.

Bethesda Thrift Shop
4749 County Road 101
Minnetonka, MN 55345

Category: Donations and Customer Reviews

Donation Spotlight: AIESEC

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Donation Spotlight: Bethesda Thrift Shop