MIDDLE EAST: A REGION OF CONFLICT

ONE OF THE LOWEST POINTS IN THE HISTORY OF REFUGEE CRISES

UNHCR’s most recent study estimated that, in 2023, for the first time in recorded history, the number of people forcibly displaced was 110 million, with over 36.4 million refugees.

90% OF VICTIMS OF CONFLICT SUFFER FROM PTSD

In fact, new studies estimate that 90% of adults and nearly 100% of children from certain conflict zones will grow up to suffer from PTSD. It is widely said that “you can take a person out of the conflict. It’s even harder to take the conflict out of a person.” For most refugees, escaping conflict is only the beginning of their problems. The scars of war and oppression continue to haunt them until the very end.

83% OF NGOs STRUGGLE TO SECURE CONTINUOUS FUNDING

While several NGOs provide aid, sustaining funds is a recurring challenge, making it even harder for victims to get access to help.

PEOPLE AFFECTED BY SOUNDS OF CONFLICT

The #1 trigger for their PTSD episodes are sounds, noises from the simplest and most mundane, everyday items such as vacuum cleaners, and electric razors take them back to their trauma.

THE CHALLENGE: While the production and entertainment are creating and using millions of sound effects everyday, the same sounds are a source of daily trauma for the PTSD victims.

Sixieme Son, one of the world’s leading sound design companies aimed to use their credentials and expertise to harness the meaningful power of sound. What if the sounds that drive trauma can become an entirely new way to fund organizations that support the victims' healing?

LACK OF SUPPORT FOR THIS TRAUMA OF SOUNDS OF CONFLICT

NGOs are facing the challenge of securing sustainable funding for PTSD support amidst donor fatigue and overshadowed by more visible charitable causes.

As one of the world leaders in sonic branding and sound design, Sixieme Son wanted to leverage the power of sounds to change that.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TRANSFORMATION

We recognized that the sound design industry, frequented by content creators, offered untapped potential for philanthropy.

Targeting this market, where everyday sound effects are in high demand, we aimed to transform routine transactions into acts of support.

The desired outcome was a self-reinforcing cycle: using the purchase of sound effects to fund PTSD relief, thereby turning a common industry practice into a continuous funding stream, while also elevating the brand as a pioneer at the intersection of commerce and social impact.

A STRATEGY THAT WOULD BE TRANSFORMATIONAL

Using foley techniques, we created a library of sound effects exclusively from everyday items that mimicked PTSD triggers. Each sound reflected a real story of a traumatic experience.

Out of respect for the victims who shared their stories, every detail of each soundtrack was carefully crafted, taking into consideration their descriptions of exactly what occurred in the events they described.

And just like that, a sewing machine became a passing tank, a water stream transformed into an explosion, bubble wrap mimicked gunshots, and traumas that caused pain became a form of healing for those who suffered.

TRANSFORMING SOUNDS OF CONFLICT INTO SOUNDS THAT COULD HEAL

A highly targeted campaign invited media, entertainment, and production communities to our library, where they could download the sounds, with 100% of proceeds directed to NGOs supporting PTSD victims from conflict zones.

By choosing Sound Affects, buyers could not only enhance their creative projects but also contribute to the healing journeys of PTSD victims.

TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPACT: INVISIBLE TRAUMAS BEING HEARD

32% Companies responded

36.3K Downloads

$3.4M Earned media

88% Donations to NGO's over usual donations