Promotional items for charities amplify messages that matter

By Mae Strehlow

Whether they’re helping people learn and grow, supporting families through life-changing diagnoses or lending a hand to neighbors in need, charitable organizations across Canada share one thing in common: making the world a better place. Read how four organizations—with a little help from 4imprint one by one^® grants—used promotional items for charities to broaden their reach and deepen their impact.

Offering arts education and experience

StoryBook Theatre is Canada’s largest volunteer-driven theatre program for young audiences and families. Through plays and musicals, theatre schools, playwriting competitions and more, the nearly 50-year-old organization has impacted countless lives in Calgary and beyond.

A one by one grant was used to purchase branded water bottles to give to StoryBook Theatre’s behind-the-scenes volunteers. The bottles—which featured an imprint promoting the theatre’s 49th season—were handed out with scripts before the first read-through in late summer and provided helpers with a gift that instantly became a cherished keepsake.

Helping those affected by a little-known disease

For more than 15 years, MitoCanada Foundation has helped Canadians impacted by mitochondrial disease—a broad term that covers over 400 disorders and syndromes of the mitochondria, which provide us with the energy we need to live.

A one by one grant was used to purchase tubes of lip balm that the MitoCanada Foundation team included in small welcome packs for participants in its 10th annual Walk N’ Roll 4 Mito event. The promotional swag items helped raise awareness not just for the organization, but for the disease as well.

Strengthening local communities

Multi-Service Centre offers residents of Ontario’s Oxford, Elgin and Norfolk counties support through meal delivery programs, housekeeping, transportation, literacy education, employment support and basic technology courses. Most programs are free and, through partnerships and innovation, help area families build stability, confidence and independence.

Multi-Service Centre hosts an annual Trail Walk and Run fundraiser. Its 12th annual event was held in June 2025 at the scenic Coronation Park in Tillsonburg. A one by one grant provided water bottles that were packed in promotional swag bags for participants, enhancing their experience and offering a repeated reminder of their connection to the organization.

Looking for more giveaway ideas? Explore event swag your audiences will use all year.

Creating a better future for people diagnosed with ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of British Columbia was founded more than 40 years ago with a goal to provide support to those impacted by the disease. Along with helping meet the physical and emotional needs of people impacted by this diagnosis, the Society funds ALS research and advocates for those affected.

Each summer, the organization hosts Move to Cure ALS events across British Columbia. A one by one grant provided branded sunglasses given as thank-you gifts to volunteers. The nonprofit promotional items were included in a kit containing information and supplies given to volunteers before the event, helping add to the festive spirit and boost brand visibility.

Interested in promotional products for charities?

If you’re on the board of directors or employed by an accredited school, registered Canadian charity or religious organization and working to improve your community, the one by one grant program can help. Visit onebyone.4imprint.ca to learn more about how to receive in-kind promotional items for charities.

Mae Strehlow

Mae Strehlow has 23 years of importing and merchandising experience at 4imprint—and 15 years in international and domestic retail before that—bringing nearly four decades of expertise to the promotional products industry. Over the years, she’s worked across a wide range of product categories, but drinkware is where her true passion lies. Mae thrives on product development, whether it’s creating exclusive private label lines or collaborating with suppliers to turn market trends into practical, successful solutions. She loves the challenge of refining shapes and styles to meet the unique demands of the promotional products industry. She believes that transparency, collaboration and a shared commitment to success—both internally and with 4imprint’s vendor partners—are what truly sets 4imprint apart.

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