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Godrej L’Affaire Champions LGBTQIA+ Inclusion with Heartwarming Diwali Film #CelebratingAcceptance

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MUMBAI, India , Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — From the warm glow of diyas to the aroma of festive treats, Diwali is a celebration of love, light, and togetherness that bridges hearts and traditions. Godrej L’Affaire, the experiential owned media lifestyle platform by Godrej Industries Group (GIG), extends its heartfelt celebration of love and relationships with the continuation of their #CelebratingAcceptance campaign on Diwali.

 

The film aims to showcase the true meaning of acceptance and equality in relationships, by portraying the emotional journey of a same-sex couple. In a world where stereotypes and prejudices continue to persist, Godrej L’Affaire seeks to challenge these biases through a compelling brand film. The story centres around young Shlok’s interaction with his neighbour Aunt, who helps with his understanding of love and family. As the Diwali celebrations unfold, Shlok encounters different family dynamics and customs. His neighbour Aunt teaches him that traditions are best enriched by embracing all types of relationships and Shlok becomes a catalyst for acceptance.  

Featuring Ankit Andulekar (Animesh) & Shailesh Gupta (Jay) as the same sex couple, the brand film beautifully delivers a powerful message about love, acceptance and the importance of understanding and nurturing inclusive relationships. Godrej L’Affaire, with this campaign, aims to emphasize the importance of relationships alongside traditions, highlighting that, ‘Riwaazo se Rishte nahi Bante’ (Relationships aren’t built on traditions), but instead ‘Hum rishton se Riwaaz banate hai’ (We create traditions through relationships). Through the innocent curiosity of five-year-old Shlok, we see complex themes like love and acceptance gently simplified. Shlok’s neighbour imbibes the message of celebrating all forms of love through a beautiful metaphor, ‘Brown ho ya colourful, hai toh dono mitti ke diye na.’ (Brown or Colourful, after all every diya is made from the same clay). This perspective allows Shlok to absorb diverse relationships without bias. This film reminds us that acceptance begins with understanding and that, sometimes, the simplest metaphors can impart the deepest lessons.

Diwali is all about the joy we bring to each other’s lives. After all, when each diya shines its unique light, the festival becomes even more meaningful. Shlok becomes an ambassador of change, learning and imparting the true spirit of inclusion at a young age. The message is clear: Diwali is for everyone, and every relationship should be celebrated with Pride.

Speaking on the campaign, Sujit Patil (he/him), Chief Communications Officer, Corporate Brand and Communications, Godrej Industries Group, said, “Festivities in India are deeply entrenched in tradition. With this film Godrej L’Affaire aims to generate conversations around widening traditional norms. We hope to spark meaningful conversations around love that transcends norms. Diwali is a time of celebration and connection, and we believe that the light of acceptance should shine equally bright for everyone—regardless of who they love. At its heart, this film reflects the beauty of relationships built on authenticity, reminding us that true joy comes from embracing one another just as we are. We hope it inspires people to celebrate relationships in all their forms and create traditions that are rooted in love.”

Further adding to this, Parmesh Shahani (he/him), Head – Godrej DEI Lab, said, “Godrej Industries Group has a dedicated diversity and inclusion vertical, the Godrej DEI Lab, committed to workplace inclusion and we were delighted to collaborate on this important project. Through this campaign, we hope to encourage viewers to expand the idea of tradition and love their family members in all their beautiful diversity, just as the mother in this video has done. Our efforts in this direction coincide with the recent steps of the government’s Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE), which had invited inputs of stakeholders and the public at large, so as to ensure that policies and initiatives regarding  LGBTQIA+ community are inclusive and effective. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued an advisory that there are no restrictions for persons of the queer community to open a joint bank account and to nominate a person in queer relationship as a nominee, while the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued letters to all stakeholders including all States/UTs to take measures to ensure the rights of  LGBTQIA+ community. We believe that through videos like this, we can share with viewers how invaluable support from family members empowers the LGBTQIA+ community to truly make every milestone in their lives a celebration of inclusion.”

Aadie Sawant (He/Him), Senior Content Creator – AGENCY09, the Ideator & Screenplay writer for this campaign added, “Familiarizing children to different concepts, different perspectives is important. Most queer individuals spend their childhood being indoctrinated to a “straight” way of living. Letting them know that it’s okay to pursue what seems right to you is crucial, so as to not affect their adult life. I’m happy that I got to share this narrative of acceptance and love.”

Digital Film Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9yaxcny4co

This Diwali, join Godrej L’Affaire in embracing a significant step towards fostering a society where love knows no bounds and where all relationships are cherished. For more information, please visit: https://www.instagram.com/godrejlaffaire/

About Godrej L’Affaire

Godrej L’Affaire was founded to celebrate the goodness of life every day, and to help India live better. It’s a unifier that bonds consumers, content creators, leading brands, and the world of Godrej effortlessly. And together, it redefines the future of lifestyle, beauty, travel, wellness, fashion, and food.

Each piece engaging, every theme contextual, every take unique, the platform connects the roots of India to modern living flawlessly. “Conversations. Communities. Collaboration.” A simple mantra that makes Godrej L’Affaire unique, entertaining, and resourceful. Where people from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds, and different regions share the latest trends through interactive, entertaining, and inspiring interviews, features and portraits, discoveries, trends, stories, and performances. And take away ways to make the most of their lives.

With Godrej L’Affaire by your side, you’ll always be in the know of the ever-evolving landscape of lifestyle. Come, hop in to live it up.

Godrej L’Affaire Social Media handles : Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9yaxcny4co
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2369373/4662451/Godrej_L_Affaire_Logo.jpg

 

 

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Donors Give a Record-breaking $37 Million During Minnesota’s Annual Give to the Max Day

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The statewide giving day raised money for 6,556 Minnesota nonprofits and schools

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tens of thousands of donors from Minnesota and around the world gave more than $37 million to 6,556 organizations during Give to the Max Day yesterday, the 16th annual statewide giving event for Minnesota nonprofits and schools. This year’s giving total surpassed last year’s $34.2 million, setting a new record, previously held in 2021.

Organizers at GiveMN are delighted with the outcome, particularly in light of national trends suggesting that donations may remain flat or decline again this year. This remarkable display of generosity bolsters the resilience of nonprofits and schools across Minnesota, many of which depend on Give to the Max as their largest annual fundraiser.

Give to the Max Day 2024 drew donors both within Minnesota and around the world. Contributions and participation spanned all 87 Minnesota counties, every U.S. state, and 36 countries worldwide.

Originally conceived and launched in 2009 as a one-time campaign to raise awareness for the new GiveMN.org fundraising platform, Give to the Max Day has since evolved into Minnesota’s yearly celebration of generosity and a powerful demonstration of support for organizations throughout the state and the 11 Native nations that share the same geography. Donors have given more than $365 million to more than 10,000 organizations since the inaugural Give to the Max Day in 2009, making it one of the first and largest giving days in the nation.

“While more than $37 million raised is an incredible achievement, it’s just the beginning of the story,” said Jake Blumberg, executive director of GiveMN. “The true power of yesterday’s generosity lies in the countless lives and communities that will be transformed across Minnesota. Thanks to the support of thousands of donors, nonprofits and schools are equipped to create lasting change in our state.”

GiveMN distributed over $100,000 in prize grants to Minnesota organizations with “Golden Ticket” drawings every 15 minutes, adding a surprise element of generosity for more than 150 donors. This year, the grand prize Super-Sized Golden Ticket awarded a $10,000 bonus to Our Justice in Minneapolis.

Give to the Max Day was presented with support from sponsors at the Bush Foundation, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Initiative Foundation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Southwest Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and West Central Initiative.

GiveMN.org is online and available year-round as a central hub for generosity in Minnesota. Donors may create a free account to set up monthly gifts, set up fundraisers for their favorite causes and download reports of their giving history. Visit GiveMN.org to learn more.

About GiveMN
GiveMN is an independent nonprofit organization working to ignite generosity and grow giving through GiveMN.org, Minnesota’s giving marketplace, and RaiseMN, a fundraising coaching and training program.    

Since 2009, more than 770,000 donors have made gifts with ease and enthusiasm through givemn.org to make a difference for causes in their communities. Through this online marketplace for generosity, and giving events like the annual Give to the Max Day, GiveMN has helped to generate more than $430 million for more than 14,000 nonprofits and schools.

RaiseMN serves Minnesota nonprofits through individualized coaching and programs to transform nonprofit fundraising. Focusing on small- to medium-sized organizations, RaiseMN builds more healthy and sustainable fundraising practices so nonprofits can continue to pursue and expand their mission in their communities.

Launched in 2009 by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, GiveMN is supported by many generous foundation and corporate partners, contributions from individual donors, and revenue from its programs.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/donors-give-a-record-breaking-37-million-during-minnesotas-annual-give-to-the-max-day-302313997.html

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Bendable Labs Honored as a Winner in Responsible Technology in the Fourth Annual Anthem Awards

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Bendable Labs announced today that it has been named by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences as a bronze winner in the fourth annual Anthem Awards.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Bendable Labs announced today that it has been named by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences as a bronze winner in the fourth annual Anthem Awards.

“Technology is at its best when it’s used to connect people to people, not just people to platforms.”

The company was recognized in the “Responsible Technology – Partnership or Collaboration” category for a project in Carlsbad, California, which equipped the local public library with a digital job-readiness platform for its patrons. Goals included helping the library play a more effective role in the local workforce ecosystem, fostering economic mobility for entry-level job seekers and providing insights to successfully scale the model to other communities.

“What this project in San Diego County demonstrated is that technology is at its best when it’s used to connect people to people, not just people to platforms,” said Sarah Zaner, co-president of Bendable Labs, a social purpose corporation that designs, builds and tests solutions in the areas of lifelong learning, workforce development and job quality. “We’re grateful to all of our local partners, especially the Carlsbad Department of Innovation & Economic Development and the Carlsbad City Library, for helping us realize this vision.”

The fourth Annual Anthem Awards was the most competitive yet, with more than 2,300 entries submitted from 34 countries.

“As a startup, it’s both exciting and validating to see us being honored alongside such outstanding organizations as AARP, Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme, and UNICEF USA,” said Rick Wartzman, Bendable Labs co-president. “These are challenging times, and we’re all trying to make a difference in our own way.”

Wartzman and Zaner noted that the library-based workforce development model that was piloted in Carlsbad is now being rolled out in west Tennessee, where Ford Motor is building a $5.6 billion “mega campus” to assemble an expanded lineup of electric F-Series vehicles. Bendable Labs is partnering with the Tennessee State Library to create job-readiness pathways at 18 libraries throughout the region. Entry-level job seekers will be able to earn a library-backed microcredential, signaling that they have in-demand skills and are ready to go to work or acquire more advanced training.

About Bendable Labs

Bendable Labs aims to improve economic stability, mobility and opportunity for people across the United States Spun out of the Drucker Institute at Claremont Graduate University, we are registered in California as a social purpose corporation. For more, please visit bendablelabs.com.

About The Anthem Awards

Launched in 2021 by the Webby Awards, a program of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, the Anthem Awards honors the purpose and mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we’re defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. This season’s partners include Ms. Magazine, The Female Quotient, Sustainable Brands, NationSwell, and TheFutureParty. The Awards were founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF and XQ.

Media Contact

Phalana Tiller, Bendable Labs, 1 3238960626, phalana@bendablelabs.com, https://bendablelabs.com

Twitter, LinkedIn

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/bendable-labs-honored-as-a-winner-in-responsible-technology-in-the-fourth-annual-anthem-awards-302313513.html

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PetSafe® Unleashes Early Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals – Big Savings on Must-Have Pet Essentials!

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Exclusive Discounts on GPS Tracking, Automatic Litter Boxes, Cat Toys, Booster Seats, and More

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PetSafe®, a trusted leader in pet care products and solutions, is excited to announce its early Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, starting November 17th. Pet parents can now score exclusive discounts on a wide range of popular products to keep their furry companions healthy, happy, and safe this holiday season.

Among the standout deals, pet owners can save $100 on the PetSafe® Guardian® GPS + Tracking system, reducing its original price of $399.95 to just $299.95. Additionally, pet fountains, such as the Outlast model, will be available at 15% off, providing a refreshing solution for pets at an affordable price. Select ScoopFree® Litter Boxes, known for their self-cleaning technology, will feature discounts of up to $80, making them an even more appealing choice for cat owners.

Furthermore, PetSafe® is offering a range of items at 15% off, including cat doors, Busy Buddy® toys, select cat toys, and booster seats, allowing pet owners to upgrade or replace essential pet care items while enjoying fantastic savings. These deals can be found on the PetSafe® website, with additional discounts available in Costco stores for added convenience.

This early holiday shopping event presents the perfect opportunity for pet parents to stock up on high-quality products that support their pets’ well-being, comfort, and entertainment. From innovative GPS tracking solutions to interactive toys, PetSafe® offers something for every pet this season.

For more information on PetSafe’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, visit PetSafe.com or follow PetSafe® on social media for the latest updates.

About PetSafe®
PetSafe® is the flagship retail brand of PetSafe Brands™, the world’s leading cat and dog products supplier. As a family of consumer brands that also includes Invisible Fence Brand®, SportDOG®, Kurgo® and Premier Pet®, PetSafe Brands™ is dedicated to unleashing joy for pet families everywhere by keeping pets healthy, safe and happy for a lifetime.

Contact:
Janna Chollet
917-826-8511
JChollet@PetSafe.net

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SOURCE PetSafe®

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