“Beard it Forward: Support Education” Campaign Brings Together Over 70 Member Companies and 50,000 Employees
The Association for Innovation, Business Services, and Technology (AIBEST) has launched its first large-scale charity initiative, “Beard it Forward: Support Education.” The campaign aims to raise funds for the education of disadvantaged youth by engaging more than 70 member companies and their 50,000+ employees.
Inspired by the global “No Shave November” movement, the initiative encourages AIBEST members to compete for the title of the best beard. Participants can join in two categories: those with existing beards and those growing new ones during November. Weekly progress photos are shared on a dedicated platform, where friends and colleagues can support participants by purchasing points.
All funds raised will be donated to the “Charitable” Foundation, a long-term partner of AIBEST, to support high school students (grades 10–12) and first-year university students from foster homes or without parental support.
AIBEST firmly believes that investing in education is essential for the long-term and sustainable development of the country. The association is committed to several forward-thinking initiatives, including the free Tech Academy, which enriches the skills of high school students in technical fields across Sofia and beyond. The focus of this inaugural charity campaign is to empower ambitious youth who lack access to quality education.
“This campaign gives disadvantaged young people the chance to believe in their potential and their future. Investing in education as a driver of innovation fosters opportunities for talented individuals who will one day be the backbone of progress in our industry and society. With initiatives like this, AIBEST not only supports youth but also contributes to the sustainable development of the communities in which we live and work,” said Natalia Georgieva-Shishkova, Executive Director of AIBEST.
The campaign is a collaborative effort within AIBEST’s newly formed marketing and branding working group, with active participation from teams at Accenture, Experian, Lirex, Pontica Solutions, Scalefocus, and Telus Digital.
“Beard it Forward” runs until December 2, 2024, when the winners of the competition will be announced.