Some of you may wonder why I’m linking to this story in a blog about direct marketing. Fair question, to which there are two answers.
First, because I’ve been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia, since 1991. Even this past Saturday, I was out on a work site in Fairfax County, Virginia, where I live. You should check out Habitat for Humanity International as well as Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia.
Secondly, Millard was a direct marketer. He and Morris Dees (a very liberal guy who helped George McGovern’s Presidential campaign back in 1972; as well as led the Southern Poverty Law Center), started Morris & Dees, as a direct marketing agency while they were still in college.
One story was that they began selling birthday cakes to the parents of their fellow students — by mail, of course. Good story, whether it’s true or not. They’d sell the cakes to the parents and then deliver the cakes to the dorm rooms.
Millard was a good guy — had his flaws, like all of us do — but you only have to talk to one or two owners of Habitat for Humanity homes to understand how this idea has changed so many lives.
Pretty remarkable.
Filed under: Direct Commerce, News, Direct Mail, Habitat for Humanity
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