Last week while at the mechanic's, I saw a large poster stating that if you asked to round up your total to the nearest dollar (ie $23.45 becomes $24.00, etc ) the difference would go to the Meals on Wheels program. There was a candid picture of an old woman smiling and it showed some statistics about the seniors who participated in the program. Many of them would not receive food otherwise due to poverty and inability to leave their home because of disabilities. This program enables elderly people to continue living in their own homes while still receiving nutritious food that they are unable to cook or go shopping for. Many are over 85 years old and need this vital program or would go hungry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJM2LVy9aBo&feature=player_embedded#!
The design on the poster showing the kindly woman's face had a very powerful effect on me. It made me want to contribute and participate in such a great cause. They are asking for so little money and time, and every little bit adds up to a lot and really makes a difference in people's lives. I liked this poster in particular because so many organizations target children as recipients of aid, and while they are important, the elderly are more often than not overlooked and forgotten about. If we live long enough, we will all become old one day. They deserve our kindness and beyond helping others, it is a very rewarding experience for oneself.
I believe Meals on Wheels is a good cause to get involved in, and this image is definitely a good incentive to try and help people that are less fortunate or capable of fending for themselves. It makes me think of my own grandmother (she receives meals on wheels and can no longer drive anywhere, so she enjoys the regular interaction). It feels reassuring to think that another someone would be checking on her on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteMarie,
ReplyDeleteMeals on Wheels is a wonderful organization and this is a good example of how even a simple photo when used appropriately can inspire change. I think the motion piece you provided the link to could use a bit of work, but the message is there the the work they are doing is phenomenal.
Thank you for this posting. I think I have become so desensitize from living downtown with constantly being asked for a hand out that I have put up a wall. This is a great campaign and a simple yet powerful design showing that the elderly need help. The only other campaign I have heard of is the Food Bank of the Rockies when they promote heavily through the radio. I tend to only participate in this because some families benefit but feel that a lot of people take advantage of these programs because they are lazy and are working the system.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great example of using basic typography and design work to emphasize a very important idea, well done. That said, I agree with Tony that living downtown definitely "desensitizes" you from people who really do struggle from legitimate reasons to get a healthy meal. I also think that the very simple design used in the video unconsciously makes us think about how simple of an idea 'Meals on Wheels' really is.
ReplyDelete