Bernardos goes viral

Barnardo's has launched a viral marketing campaign persuading people to run marathons and raise cash for the charity.
 
The humorous email campaign was sent to the charity's 5,000 employees and will coincide with banner ads on Realrunner.com. The email and the banner advert both link to a video clip on the Barnardo's website. The clip features runners in fancy dress at a local gym, with the message that no matter where you run or what you wear, Barnardo's will turn miles into smiles for today's most disadvantaged children. Carolyn Rich, new-media manager at Barnardo's, said: "A viral campaign is the most cost effective and direct way to target fundraisers and to drive visitors to our website. "We are really excited about the new campaign and feel confident that its quirkiness and humour will get people emailing and talking about the charity, inspiring people to run for us." The campaign was devised by Bartle Bogle Hegarty in conjunction with digital agency Dare.