September was National Suicide Prevention Month, and in recognition of that, we wanted to highlight some of the powerful apparel fundraisers we saw from the Bonfire Community. The people and organizations behind these campaigns are working to end suicide by raising awareness, erasing the stigma around mental illness, and making mental health resources and support available to everyone.
I’m So Glad You’re Alive
On July 16, 2022, the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone number launched – providing 24/7, free and confidential emotional support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline created a merch store on Bonfire to help promote the new, shorter, easier-to-remember Lifeline number – with the hope of helping more people access mental health crises services. Their I’m So Glad You’re Alive – Call 988 fundraiser benefits The Mental Health Association of New York City Inc. with all proceeds going directly to crisis centers.
The design on the front features text in the upper left section that reads, “I’M SO GLAD YOU ARE ALIVE” in a handwritten font in all caps. The design on the back features text in the center section that reads, “CALL 988” in big, bold letters. Underneath the call to action there is smaller text that reads, “NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE”.
Come As You Are
Stanley (he/him) and Jackson (he/him), husbands and digital creator team – @stanleyandjackson, designed their Come As You Are campaign to raise funds for The Trevor Project. Stanley and Jackson believe strongly in The Trevor Project’s mission and are donating 100% of the proceeds raised from this campaign. The Trevor Project is an organization that provides information, support, and suicide prevention efforts for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth – 24/7, all year round.
The design on the front includes an outline illustration of a heart in the upper left section with a smiling face inside it. The design on the back showcases a large drawing of a rainbow in the center section. Underneath the rainbow, there is text that reads, “COME AS YOU ARE” in a retro-style font. The text is all in black except for the words, “YOU ARE” in which each letter is filled in with a different color of the rainbow. There are illustrated sparkles around the text, as well.
Stick It to Stigma
Connor’s Climb Foundation provides suicide prevention education to the youth and community of New Hampshire. CCF was created by family and friends of Connor Ball, who died by suicide in 2011. Since then, Connor’s Climb Foundation has sought to raise awareness, eliminate the stigma around mental health, and put an end to youth suicide. The Stick It to Stigma fundraiser was started by CCF to raise money for their organization and its efforts.
The design on the front consists of large green text in the center section that reads, “STICK IT TO STIGMA” in all caps. The Connor’s Climb Foundation logo sits inside the “O” of the word “TO”. The design on the back features an extra large version of the Connor’s Climb Foundation logo in the center section.
Mental Health for All
The Mental Health for All campaign was created by 1N5, a mental health organization that serves to increase awareness and education about mental health in teens and adults. 1N5 is named for the fact that one in five teens and adults suffer from mental illness. They are working to prevent suicide by erasing the stigma of mental illness and by promoting optimal mental wellness. 100% of the funds raised from this campaign will benefit 1N5 and help them continue to end the stigma and start a conversation.
The design features text in all caps in the center section that reads, “MENTAL HEALTH FOR ALL”. The letters are various skin tone colors to emphasize their message that mental health is important for everyone.
Life Is Better With You
The Life is Better With You fundraiser was created by Taylor Kintner to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s informed about mental health by funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention, advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide.
The design on the front features light blue text in the upper left section that reads, “LIFE IS BETTER WITH YOU.” The design on the back features the same light blue text repeated in a stack of 8. There is a light blue, filled-in heart that sits on top of the text.
I Care About Your Mental Health
The I Care About Your Mental Health fundraising campaign is run by Resilience Rally, a foundation that provides free and reduced-cost mental health care. All proceeds raised from this campaign help Resilience Rally fund its efforts.
The design on the front features the Resilience Rally logo in white. The logo is small and sits in the upper center section. The design on the back features large text in the center section that reads, “I CARE ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH” in all-white letters.
Tomorrow Needs You
New Path, a Comprehensive Behavioral Health and Educational Treatment Agency, created their Tomorrow Needs You campaign to raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 nationwide, and New Path is working to change this by providing families with access to expert, specialized, and comprehensive trauma-informed care.
The design on the front includes an illustration of a rising sun above handwritten text that reads, “TOMORROW NEEDS YOU”. The text is underlined for emphasis and the entire design sits in the center section. The design on the back includes a grayscale version of the New Path logo in the upper middle section.
Be sure to check out and support even more Bonfire campaigns raising funds for suicide awareness and prevention. Interested in creating your own campaign to benefit an organization? Launch a Giving Campaign on Bonfire today.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for 24/7 mental health crisis support. The Lifeline is available for everyone and is free and confidential.
