Good Message; Too Bad About the Messenger

At my job, we do work with nonprofits. So we keep our eye on things related to nonprofit awareness, fundraising, advocacy, etc. So someone came across the pictured ad for Dutch Cordaid: People in Need.

Pretty effective, no? Instead of buying that extra pair of sunglasses you want but don't need, why not donate much less to help feed a hungry person? It's a good campaign, and it works. There are also versions that feature beer, a handbag, and aftershave.

The campaign was created by Saatchi & Saatchi, and they won a prestigious advertising award for it. Well done.

It is perhaps unfair to pick on Saatchi because, after all, they do a fair amount of work for good causes at, what I hope is, bargain basement rates or no fees.

But please, Saatchi & Saatchi. You sell shit to us we don't need. It's a little tough to take this message from you. I'm sure Cordaid is pleased with the work. But it's seriously hypocritical.

And I'm assuming that the ads don't feature products from your other clients. Because that would be bad business, not to mention a real dick move.

Saatchi & Saatchi: Making you feel bad for the desire we create.