Every agency does pro bono work— oftentimes, we’re sad to say, simply to win awards.
Our approach is different. Right from the start, we sought to make a real difference in our community— not simply by creating a few ads.
Because we’re owner-operated, we can take on as many good causes as we like. In many cases, we choose groups that have been turned down by other agencies because they’re too controversial. We’ve done campaigns for sex trade workers in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, homeless youth, AIDS prevention among gay men, and even the Queer Film Festival.
We also choose to invest in culture, sports and the arts— we’ve maintained long-term relationships with Science World, the Contemporary Art Gallery, the Vancouver International Biennale, the Vancouver Canadians baseball team and the BC Lions football team.
Finally, we believe in supporting the next generation of talent by doing campaigns for Sheridan College and Langara College. Through our association with Langara we offer the Rethink Scholarship— it’s worth $18,000 in tuition and includes an internship at our offices.
In addition to supporting good causes, we believe in supporting a balanced lifestyle for our staff.
Outside interests, and the time to pursue them, are critical to maintaining creative output. Every
Rethinker gets three weeks of holiday in their first year. After 10 years, they can take a 10-week sabbatical.
We also offer the Rethink Parent Plan, which allows any parent to work at home up to 10 days a year. And we contribute towards the costs of professional development courses.
Finally, we believe in minimizing our environmental footprint. We are completely carbon neutral, offsetting any carbon we create in our offices or through business travel.