Sundial Blog

Headlines may be gloomy for the year ahead, but that hasn’t deterred one Edmonton entrepreneur from setting some ambitious goals for 2009. Ben Block, owner of Sundial Graphics, opened the business in 2005 which has grown it rapidly offering integrated marketing services.

As a perpetual goal setter, Block was reviewing how far he has come and what’s next. “When I started the business I set several goals both for Sundial and myself” commented Block. “I recently sat down to review those goals which included to raise a $1 million for charity. If I’m working to build my business I want to know I have worked just as hard to give something back.”

Block has partnered with Free the Children, a not-for-profit group that combats child labour in developing nations through education, clean water, construction of schools as well as income generation projects for parents. Ryan Hollinrake, Corporate Engagement Manager at Free the Children has worked with Block to secure approvals, photography and other resources needed to get the project underway. “We are very excited about this inspiring idea and hope the business community will support Ben as he seeks to support our efforts.”

But how to do it? Sundial has leveraged our design and print capabilities to create a unique desktop calendar showcasing the positive impact Free the Children is having around the globe. These calendars can be branded with corporate logos allowing them to be used as promotional items. “Companies routinely purchase branded merchandise for their staff, clients and as giveaways. It’s my hope that enough companies will direct some of those funds to this project and allow us to achieve our goal” says Ben. By selling the calendars for $20 each and donating all profits to Free the Children, Sundial must sell 70,000 units to reach our goal.

Sundial Sundial News Ben Block, Community Involvement, Sundial

Ok…there’s a rope involved…don’t get too excited!  We just needed your attention. J

Ben Block, the Founder and Director of Sundial, has just registered for the Drop Zone www.thedropzone.ca and will be repelling off the Sutton Place Hotel on Sept. 8 in support of Easter Seals.  Although we found out about this operation a little late in the game but we’ve decided to aim high for the company fundraising goal.  Presently Easter Seals is only 33% of the way toward their goal of $75,000 with just over 3 weeks left.  Since they still have a ways to go we are hoping to directly raise at least $3,750 or 5% of their total.  With time running short we could use your support to reach this goal for a great cause.

Money raised from the Drop Zone will help Albertans with disabilities and special needs get the equipment they need to live a more independent life. It also supports the Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Bragg Creek. For more information on their programs and services, please check out their website at www.easterseals.ab.ca.

Secure online donations can be made with your credit card and an electronic tax receipt will be sent to you by email at: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=1903545.  Otherwise, in person cash or cheque donations can be made as well and we can arrange for a tax receipt manually.

If you are able to lend any support it would be greatly appreciated, otherwise thank you for your time and wish him luck. J

Thanks,

The Sundial Team

Sundial Sundial News Ben Block, Community Involvement