Over 15 countries participated in the eighth annual competition aimed at getting designers and students to create campaigns that inform the public about their chosen cause. Winners came from North America, Europe and southern Africa, all regions that Sappi manufactures in. “As print is emotive it remains one of the most powerful forms of communication,” says André Oberholzer, Group Head Corporate Affairs, Sappi. “Print is personal and therefore connects on many levels with its audience. This makes print an exceptionally effective channel for non-profit organisations - for fundraising purposes, education and raising awareness.South African designers who received grants for their campaigns include Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Stellenbosch University, Red and Yellow College of Magic and Logic and Designs for Development. These winners will assist Soil for Life, which educates and trains people in organic food gardening, Big Brother Big Sister SA that provides mentoring programmes to youth from disadvantaged communities in South Africa, World Burn Foundation which uses education to prevent fires and Hoops4Hope which teaches youth life skills through sports programmes respectively. When asked how it feels to be given a grant for their cause, Soil for Life, Elmarie Meyer speaking for her team from Cape Peninsula University of Technology said, “We are grateful for receiving the grant in order to help a cause that we have grown to feel so passionate about. This campaign will hopefully inspire many to live a lifestyle that respects the environment, as shown by Soil for life. We are happy that this campaign will promote the cause and the work that Soil for life is doing.”The campaign not only contributes to social good, but is also prestigious for grant recipients who are given the opportunity to pull out all the stops in communicating their message to the public. “The awards are given based on innovation, creativity and impact. We seek to find the campaigns that have the most heart-felt messages behind them,” explains Oberholzer. Originally developed in consultation with clients to support creative people who are committed to making a difference in this world, Sappi has provided over R60 million for campaigns to be executed since the competition began in 1999. “Our company is committed to conducting our business responsibly and helping to create stable, healthy communities. Ideas That Matter is an important aspect of that commitment,” finishes Oberholzer.