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MSFHR 20th Anniversary Campaign

The Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) is British Columbia’s primary health research funding agency. They have shaped health research in B.C. for 20 years and partnered with Be the Change Group to develop a campaign that could capture their rich history and future path.

Our campaign brought to life a variety of compelling stories and provided an opportunity for MSFHR to prepare their community for the consolidation of MSFHR and the BC Academic Health Science Network (BC AHSN) into what is now known as Michael Smith Health Research BC.

Sector

    Services

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      IMPACT

      The change

      71%

      of employees said the campaign provided insight into the consolidation

      94%

      of employees said the campaign helped them better understand the Foundation’s 20-year journey in health research

      “Be the Change Group's deep communication expertise developed a highly successful, award-winning anniversary campaign that revitalized our corporate storytelling and brand awareness.”

      – Julia White, Director of Communications, Michael Smith Health Research BC

      Background

      Highlighting history and innovation
      To mark MSFHR’s 20th anniversary and strengthen understanding of their organization ahead of a consolidation, MSFHR was seeking a partner to develop a campaign that would capture their rich history and highlight how the organization has helped shape health research in B.C. The campaign would celebrate B.C.’s health researchers and their work as global leaders who are driving innovation in our health system and improving the health of our populations.

      process

      We start with focused research to inform campaign strategy and tactics, which include: a review of past MSFHR anniversary campaigns and library archives; group discovery sessions with MSFHR’s leadership and board; a market review of other research organizations that recently celebrated an anniversary; and survey consultations with select staff to ensure the stories were representative of the diverse researchers, regions, and MSFHR’s research priorities.

      Through our discovery sessions and review, we saw MSFHR’s 20th anniversary as an opportunity to bring forward their history of supporting equitable, diverse, and inclusive health research.

      Our Solution

      20 years of stories

      Our virtual campaign centred around a simple strategy: 20 years, 20 stories. It was light and human-focused, touching on key milestones in MSFHR’s 20-year history through storytelling.

      recognition

      Award-winning campaign
      We were honoured to receive the 2022 IABC Gold Quill Award of Merit in the Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication category—an award that has recognized excellence in strategic communication globally for over 40 years—together with our partners at Michael Smith Health Research BC.

      The campaign also received a CPRS Vancouver Silver Award in the Best Digital/Multimedia/Social Media Project category and was recognized with an Honourable Mention in the Digital Community Engagement category for PR Daily’s 2022 Social Media & Digital Awards.
      Gold Quill Awards
      PR Daily Social Media & Digital Awards
      CPRS Vancouver PRestige Awards

      "This project is a benchmark in professional standards."

      – Judge testimonial, International Association of Business Communicators for the Gold Quill Awards