Corporate Social Responsibility is becoming increasingly widespread – having just come out of business school I’ve managed to get an eyeful and mindful of CSR-related insights. The great thing about it is that it establishes strong connections and unexpected bonds – Marc Ecko Watches and The Remix Project is a shining example of one. Stemming from two individuals geared to push change, Jesse Jones and Gavin Sheppard joined together to create the I Am Unlimited campaign, deemed “The Gavin Sheppard Story”.

Lost? Don’t be. Here are the key learnings that I’m going to break down for you Coles-notes style:

• Gavin Sheppard is the founder of The Remix Project, deemed “a youth program that acts as an arts and cultural incubator in Toronto, Canada”. It was founded on the vision of allowing youth the opportunity to develop their artistic, business, and musical talents. At only 26, he has reached out to form partnerships in South Africa, Brazil, and Colombia.
• Where and how did it all start? “It’s an incubator for the brilliant talent within Toronto – it’s one of the most multicultural cities in the world. It all comes down to economics and opportunity – and The Remix Project aims to provide that to inner city kids”

While down at the shoot I also had the opportunity to meet Jesse Jones, a young marketing visionary who brought The Remix Project into the mix of Marc Ecko Watches.

It’s incredibly invigorating to find individuals who are much like me in the industry, who are able to push forward and execute initiatives that will impact the increasingly consumerist society.

“We’re embracing this campaign on a global scale – it’s about young people doing something. Marc Ecko watches is a youthful and stylish brand that is limitless”, says Jones.

The biggest challenge for a campaign like this?

“Choosing the right things to be associated with – I get an numerous proposals across my desk but it’s hard to find one that truly embraces what we believe in”, muses Jones. “We’re essentially doing something that’s regionally global – catapulting it to the world.”

I have to say, these two guys probably have some of the coolest jobs around – hey, it’s all about young people doing inspiring things.

> image cred from lotusleaf comm