Brands do not only provide people with goods, they also create jobs and help people build their careers, either by hiring or by motivating them. In fall 2011, Starbucks launched the Jobs for USA platform to support small businesses and people behind them, and this year Benetton, the recognized leader in sharing positive power across the globe and encouraging people to have a brighter attitude, helps the enemployed youth.

Pernod Ricard’s luxurious whisky Chivas Regal 12 YO launches a new creative initiative— the annual collaborations with famous people of art and craft aimed to create limited-edition series of packaging inspired by gentlemen style, masculinity and craftsmanship called ‘Made for Gentlemen’. The brand has debuted the first collaboration of this kind with British luxury shoe designer Tim Little, the owner and creative director of a male shoe brand Grenson, who designed a collectible tin featuring a stylish deconstruction of classic English leather shoes.

Google has re-imagined its Creative Sandbox platform to deliver inspiration to creative minds in advertising agencies across the globe through successful online ad projects. For the past four years, Creative Sandbox used to be a title for offline events hosted by Google for creatives, but now it has expanded to an online treasure box of groundbreaking experiences. The destination is showcasing digital campaigns’ case studies, unveiling the basic components of the projects, and inviting ad professionals and emerging creators to explore and share the best examples of digital work.

To celebrate its deep connection with music since 1960’s, the British auto brand MINI launches an apparel and accessories collection for him and her —Sound of MINI. The design of the items is heavily inspired by the British culture and distinguish features of local pop music. The new collection, which is running the gamut from ‘loud’ (bold, eye-catching prints) to ‘soft’ (minimalist styles and understated looks),” is set to be available from the MINI Online Shop and selected MINI dealerships starting September 2012.

IKEA makes textiles one of the core components of its collections and focuses on fabrics in its campaigns. Recently, the furniture retailer launched two promotions at a time—in Australia and Hong Kong—dedicated to the creative use of textiles, DIY and home comfort revolving around applying different prints and colours. Both campaigns include an interactive component, encouraging consumers to experiment with textile and find new affordable ways to express their personalities through vibrant patterned fabrics and bring new life to their homes.

Western Union, an international money transfer system, in collaboration with the Dutch creative agency 180 Amsterdam have launched a new promotional campaign, a social project called PASS. The initiative is  fronted by former international football star Patrick Vieira and start during the Group Stage of the UEFA Europa League Season 2012/13, which kicks off on September 20 across Europe.