A good $10 T-shirt (can change the world)

This holiday season, Tonic decided to forgo its huge annual clients + partners Christmas party (yes, I said Christmas) and card mailing in favor of using the budget to help local families in need. We wanted to use the power of good design to make a difference in our community.

Our idea was simple. Design three limited-edition Tonic t-shirts and invite clients, partners and friends to vote for their favorite design. The winning design would be printed and mailed in January to all respondents. And for every vote received, Tonic would donate $10 to a local family in need. Win-win.

The response was overwhelming! After the votes were tallied, we raised enough money to give one struggling Simi Valley family a dream Christmas. We met Freddy C. several years ago when the small company he owns began washing the cars in our complex. Freddy is one of the happiest guys on earth. A little shy, but always smiling and looking for ways to go the extra mile. Last year, Freddy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Since then, he has struggled to make ends-meet for his wife and two kids. The pain has all but prevented him for working and the cost of treatment had been exorbitant.

We worked with Freddy’s cousin, who has taken over the car washing business, to make arrangements to surprise the family with Christmas donation. We bought toys for the kids and presented Freddy and his wife with a check to cover the cost of a much needed second car!

All of us at Tonic feel privileged to be so blessed to have helped Freddy and his family. Thanks for taking part in this small Christmas miracle. As it turns out, the western world does not need yet another I-ate-and-drink-too-much holiday party. Or another well-wishing holiday card that get taped to the conference room door. What this country really needs is a good $10 t-shirt.