One by One

Amway will once again recognize four of its Independent Business Owners from across the US, Canada and the Caribbean through the 2012 Amway Hero Awards.

Through May 31, 2012, you can share your stories of inspiring IBO heroes that fit one or more of these categories:

DETERMINATION: Recognizing personal responsibility, work ethic, and dedication to self-improvement despite difficult circumstances.

GENEROSITY: Recognizing commitment to improving the world through extraordinary volunteerism or philanthropy.

LEADERSHIP: Recognizing a positive focus on mentoring, teaching, and helping others succeed without personal gain.

PATRIOTISM: Recognizing noteworthy service to community or country through civilian or military endeavors.

Click here for the nomination form.

The stories of last year’s winners are on the Achieve Magazine website. We will be sure to share the stories of this year’s winners after they are announced.

One of the challenges for any fundraiser is that everywhere you look, there’s a worthy cause to support. Easter Seals Canada, in an attempt to stand out from the crowd decided to stand above the crowd.

Way, way, above.

The Easter Seals Drop Zone is a dynamic and exciting way for people to become everyday superheroes, raising a minimum of $1,500 in pledges for the right to rappel down one of Canada’s tallest buildings.

This year, there were 13 Drop Zone events in Canada. Amway Canada has been a proud sponsor of this event since its inception and employees and Independent Business Owners (IBOs) alike have embraced the cause as part of our One by One Campaign efforts. This year, IBOs and employees participated in seven of the 13 events across the country, raising over $25,000 – funds which support children and families dealing with disabilities, who are supported by Easter Seals.

That brings Amway’s seven year total to over $400,000 for all our Easter Seals fundraising efforts, which includes both Drop Zone and our on-line donation programs. The incredible efforts of the Canadian independent business owners who helped to raise those dollars were recognized this past June by the Canadian Direct Sellers Association when they presented Amway Canada with the industry’s Making a Difference Award.

This year marked the first time the Drop Zone was held in London, ON – Amway Canada’s home town. And Angela Abdallah, Amway Canada’s national marketing manager, was quick to throw her hat – and her cape – into the ring.

So what’s it like to rappel down One London Place? You can see for yourself – we’ve posted photos on the Amway Canada Facebook page both from the event and from the training. And we’ve also posted videos on the Amway Canada YouTube page, including a head-cam video that Angela created during her decent, which provides you with an incredible first-person view of what it’s like to rappel. And you can also view Alberta-based IBO Shaun Guthrie’s video of his rappelling efforts – and Guthrie was the top fund-raiser in his area.

“The hardest part is that first step off the roof. But a really deep breath and a thought or two about the kids who can’t take a step at all really helped to put it in perspective.” said Abdallah. “And when you’re greeted at the bottom by one of those kids, you know it was well worth the thrill of it – noodle legs and all!”

Each year, the Drop Zone gets bigger and better and we’re looking forward to even more support next year. Amway Canada and its IBOs will be there, taking that leap of faith for Easter Seals kids.

Thanks to Angela Abdallah and Jason Menard for sharing this story.

Amway employees and Independent Business Owners (IBOs) in Canada have been consistent supporters of Easter Seals Canada for many years, through a combination of quiet collections and dramatic events.

Last month, the Direct Sellers Association in Canada recognized Amway Canada with its Making a Difference Award. The award represents efforts through the Drop Zone events that have raised nearly $360,000 for Easter Seals.

During Drop Zone events, Amway employee and IBO superheroes rapel down skyscrapers to raise visibility and funds for Easter Seals in a dozen cities across the country.

From child development centers to adaptive technology and physical rehabilitation, Easter Seals Canada offers a variety of services to help address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals. We celebrate this success with a fantastic partner!

Thanks to Carmela Ianni for sharing this story.