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If you’re looking for a new way to inspire your team, I’d like to share an activity with you that we’ve been doing for the last few years at SoCast, and it has turned a great annual tradition into an inspiring and incredible one.
For years, in an annual tradition, SoCasters got together in the kitchen area of the office around Christmas to exchange Secret Santa gifts at the office prior to walking over to a nearby pub or restaurant to celebrate the year together. We had a tree in the corner. People took pictures. We’d have some “pre-drinks” before our staff dinner. It was fun to see what people got, particularly the “joke” or clever personal gifts tailored for each other. It was a light fun annual tradition, and it contributed to our team culture.
The staff came up with the idea. We the founders just went along with it. But it came from them, the team. And that is something that makes it even more special, more uniquely SoCast.
When COVID sent us all home to work permanently in March of 2020, we lost our office, our gathering spot. So when December rolled around, there was nowhere to exchange gifts, there was no restaurant to walk to, they were all closed. We actually did a virtual holiday party using one of those gimmicky avatar environments. It was interesting but hardly the replacement for our annual party. Some of those parties gained legendary status, particularly in SoCast’s early years, and even before in our previous iteration, Supernova (mostly as a result of the drinking).
But COVID changed all that and once again, it was the staff that had the idea to change up our Secret Santa into a Charity Secret Santa. We’d all pick a charity as our “wish list” and whoever drew our name would have to research and donate to that charity. Instead of exchanging gifts, we would support meaningful causes that were close to our hearts. Each SoCaster would select a charity, and their Charity Secret Santa would research and donate to that cause on their behalf.
Then in our “exchange” we’d all go into Google Meet and reveal who we got and what we learned about the cause and the impact they have in our communities. It was incredibly uplifting and surprisingly rewarding to be a part of. But the best part which was not expected (but it probably should have been), was when people shared a quick blurb on why they chose that charity. It revealed an inner slice of ourselves to everybody. Not on purpose, but by virtue of the activity, and I learned something new about each SoCaster as a result, something I never would have known otherwise. The activity gave us a glimpse into something authentic and private about ourselves. Often the cause affected a very special family member. Sometimes the cause was more inspiring, which revealed an inner inspiration of that person. That was the most gratifying part; it was truly inspiring to see each person’s passion behind each choice.
I recommend you give this activity a try at your organization this year in 2025. One of the great advantages about it is that it fits teams with people working in multiple locations. We have 25 in our team, so breaking it up into teams of 25 or less would keep the time to around an hour.
Thank you to all the SoCasters who participated! Here’s a look at the incredible organizations we supported this year:
- VIBE Arts — Kat’s choice: https://vibearts.ca
VIBE Arts provides opportunities for young people to engage in high-quality artistic programming, promoting creativity and inclusion. - Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) — Alicia’s choice: https://scwist.ca/get-involved/donate
SCWIST empowers women and girls to pursue and thrive in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). - Pancreatic Cancer Action Network — Brad’s choice: https://pancan.org
PanCAN drives research, provides patient support, and raises awareness for pancreatic cancer. - Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation — Elliott’s choice: https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret
Supporting one of the world’s top cancer research hospitals, this foundation advances care and innovation. - Girl Guides of Canada — Jason’s choice: https://www.girlguides.ca
The Girl Guides foster leadership, empowerment, and community engagement for girls and young women. - SickKids Foundation — Jon’s choice: https://donate.sickkidsfoundation.com
Supporting Toronto’s SickKids Hospital, this foundation is dedicated to improving children’s health globally. - Canadian Cancer Society’s CIBC Run for the Cure — Noah’s choice: https://support.cancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=RFTC_NW_home
A nationwide event raising funds for breast cancer research and support programs. - Hip Hop Education Center — Rich’s choice: https://hiphopeducation.org
This organization uses hip-hop culture to promote educational equity and youth empowerment. - Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) — Robbin’s choice: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/index.aspx
CHEO provides world-class care for children and youth in Eastern Ontario and beyond. - SickKids Foundation — Sandy’s choice: https://www.sickkidsfoundation.com
Supporting revolutionary research, care, and education to improve the lives of children. - Pregnancy Care Center — Sanford’s choice: https://pccfriends.ca
Helps women experiencing unexpected pregnancies - Toronto Artscape Foundation — Tiffany’s choice: https://torontoartscapefoundation.ca
This foundation fosters creative spaces and supports artists in Toronto.
Through these contributions, we’ve raised our own awareness and donated to groundbreaking research, youth empowerment, community health, and the arts. Each of these organizations plays a vital role in improving lives and inspiring positive change. We encourage everyone to learn more about these causes by clicking on the links above! Happy New Year everyone!
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