This week, GPJ’s 2019 Christmas celebration provided the leading experiential agency with an opportunity not only to host and entertain their clients, team and partners; the event itself provided a platform to showcase their dedication to purpose and what makes GPJ a unique force in experiential marketing.

Far more than just a seasonal social, the structure of the philanthropic event was emphatically designed as a forum with a progressive purpose. The theme of the ‘Festive-all’ was about harnessing the power of purpose by working together with OzHarvest and A Sound Life as a force for positive change. GPJ’s three year partnership with A Sound Life was also embedded to demonstrate the importance of music and movement.

Hosting the event with OzHarvest helped highlight the issues of food insecurity and food waste in Australia, and promote the values of sustainability and waste reduction. In Australia, more than five million people experience food insecurity while, staggeringly, one third of all global food production is wasted. Through their work in food rescue, community engagement and education, OzHarvest’s vision is to create a world free from hunger and with zero waste, where everyone can lead a sustainable life.

Responding to a growing social awareness, GPJ approached OzHarvest and A Sound Life to create a bespoke, purpose-driven corporate event. GPJ ANZ is committed to creating experiences that inspire people to change the world. While the team helps other brands do this every day in large-scale experiences, GPJ wanted to act in the same manner when it came to the holiday season. With deep trust and a solid relationship that truly inspired everyone at the ‘Festive-all’ to try and change the world in their own small way.

GPJ ANZ General Manager Marc Iacono greeted guests along with an acknowledgement of the land and introduction of Ronni Kahn AO, CEO & Founder of OzHarvest. Ronni was joined by her son and fellow philanthropist Edo Kahn, founder of A Sound Life. The two showcased their passion and purpose for helping those in need in their own unique and captivating way.

The special relationship between mother and son was revealed through storytelling and mutual appreciation of their individual purpose. A Sound Life concluded the lunch with volunteer musicians Junkyard Beats and Gus Abiz with a musical performance that embedded participation, body movement and a chorused sing-along.

GPJ ANZ MD & SVP and Project ANZ MD, Caleb Bush, said: “’Festive-all’ provided us with the perfect opportunity to give back and do something with purpose for our client celebrations this year. Working together with A Sound Life and OzHarvest gave us the opportunity to provide support during the Christmas period to those who need it most.”

Founder Edo Kahn shared: “A Sound Life’s philosophy begins with compassion for ourselves and others. This leads to meaningful connection, contentment, creativity and kind communities. ‘Festive-all’ was a beautiful way to share and celebrate our values together with our incredible partner GPJ and their stakeholders, as well as our inspirational charity mentors at OzHarvest.”

GPJ is part of Project Worldwide and is also participating in Giving Tuesday, whereby all staff donations will be double matched. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organisations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. On this Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2019, Project pledged $500,000.00 USD toward 2x matching eligible donations made, up to $10k USD per employee, until that max was reached.