As summer draws to a close, we’re rounding up our favourite campaigns from August. From fighting ageism in the media to educating the public about UV rays, here’s a look at the August campaigns that caught our attention.
Dove encourages women to #KeepTheGrey
Dove have reacted to the recent controversial firing of Canadian news anchor Lisa LaFlamme with their #KeepTheGrey social media campaign. LaFlamme was reportedly fired over her decision to stop dying her hair which has sparked discourse around ageism in the media, and Dove have been quick to join in.
They posted a video to their Instagram, encouraging users to turn their profile pictures grey in solidarity. The caption also noted that they are donating $100,000 to Catalyst, an organisation that helps build inclusive workplaces for women. This is a great example of using media conversations to your advantage while actively contributing to the conversation too, and they received high engagements on Instagram!
Getting Rick-rolled by CSAA Insurance
In the crossover we didn’t have on our 2022 bingo card, CSAA Insurance have partnered with Rick Astley to Rick-roll the US with their new campaign.
The collaboration has seen Rick Astley release an updated music video for Never Gonna Give You Up, paying tribute to the original with the same outfits and locations but spreading the word about CSAA Insurance – insurance that will never give you up. “Rickified” QR codes have also been spotted that directs users to the new video, mimicking the viral rick-rolling meme that the internet loves. Using a well-loved star and a well-loved meme is a great way to get attention and people talking – great work, CSAA Insurance!
I spy with Maynards Bassetts
To celebrate the summer road trip, Maynards Bassetts have challenged the nation to a game of I Spy using their famous sweets. Giant inflatable Jelly Babies and Wine Gums have been hidden across the country to highlight that Maynards’ sweeties and road trips make the perfect pairing.
Anyone who spotted one of the 20ft sweets could report the location on a dedicated I Spy Maynards page for a chance to win a prize, and people could also enter the competition by trying to guess one of the locations from a series of clues. This activation perfectly encompasses road trips, with a classic game of I Spy and the all-important snacks – we thought this was a great idea that taps into their audience!
Mattel team up with Rose Ayling-Ellis to produce inclusive Barbie
Rose Ayling-Ellis has worked with Mattel, producers of all things Barbie, to create the first Barbie with behind-the-ear hearing aids. The new line is Mattel’s most diverse yet and also includes a Ken doll with vitiligo, a Barbie with a prosthetic leg and another in a wheelchair.
Rose said that when she was little, she ‘would draw hearing aids on to [my] Barbie dolls to make them look like [me]’, so this is a huge step forward for disability representation and for children to see themselves in the toys they play with. We thought this was a fantastic partnership, and the UK media thought so too with this being picked up positively across many news outlets!
Melanoma UK create educational UV exposure posters
Melanoma UK have created posters made from UV paper in a bid to educate the public on the dangers of UV ray exposure. Changing colour in the sun, the UV paper gradually reveals the message ‘You can’t see UV rays, but you can see their effects on this poster’.
The messaging on the posters has been printed in suncream which not only shows the dangers of UV rays, but how protective suncream is against them. With the rise in temperature and the number of heatwaves experience across the country, this is a great example of using topical news to promote a meaningful message that cuts straight through. Great work Melanoma UK!
At Prohibition, we work with a range of brands across all sectors, B2B and B2C, to create innovative PR campaigns that deliver real ROI and help meet business goals. Get in touch with us today to find out how we could support you with your Public Relations. Drop us an email: hello@prohibitionpr.co.uk or give us a bell on 0113 430 4160.
