Platypus Shoes has announced its multi-channel support for Videos for Change, marking its first ever sponsorship.
Videos for Change challenges teenagers in high schools across Australia to create a one-minute video on a social issue.
Now in its fourth year, the challenge gives entrants the chance to win a share of prizes worth $12,000 and the opportunity to be featured on Network Ten’s The Project.
Past entrants have featured local issues such as domestic violence, body-image,bullying and social exclusion as well as a broad range of global issues.
Platypus head of marketing Tia Paterson said joining forces with Videos for Change was a natural choice for the brand’s first ever sponsorship.
“As a brand, we feel strongly about standing up for what you believe in and facing all social justice issues head on – whether it be cyber-bullying or gender inequality,” she said.
“Many of our young team members – most of whom are aged between 15 to 25 – are passionate and engaged about making a difference, so we want to create a supportive environment where they can speak up and be heard.
“It’s important for Australia’s youth to feel supported and have a voice when it comes to social change, and what better way to do this than through a medium with no barriers and one they know best – digital.”
Platypus will support Videos for Change through a multi-channel communications plan.
A group of committed in-store ambassadors have volunteered to champion the initiative with customers face-to-face, alongside online promotion through Platypus’s digital and social media channels.
Platypus Northland’s in-store ambassador Ivy Nguyen said she was proud to be engaged in an initiative that gave youth a voice to address social issues close to their hearts.
“I think that it is so important for young people to participate in conversations around social change so that we can aim for a more inclusive and fair society,” she said.
“I’m a psychology student and really passionate about changing some of the stigma around mental illness. Initiatives like Videos for Change allow people to produce creative content that can address these types of issues.”