Publications
Partners
- The Cotton On Foundation has partnered with Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation.
- They aim to raise $5 million for global mental health, with R2 500 000 being donated to provide mental health support for youth in South Africa.
- "We are constantly working to uplift the stories of young people worldwide, and through this partnership, we invite everyone to practice kindness," said Lady Gaga.
Lifestyle brand Cotton On's philanthropic arm, the Cotton On Foundation, has partnered with the Born This Way Foundation, founded by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, to raise $5 million for global mental health, with R2 500 000 being donated to provide mental health support for youth in South Africa.
"We're honoured to partner with Cotton On Foundation for our first global campaign amplifying our mission to build a kinder, braver world together," said Lady Gaga, Co-Founder of Born This Way Foundation.
She added:
The two organisations have created a limited-edition product range available from 1 September – 10 October 2023, with Cotton On donating 100% of the net proceeds to the Born This Way Foundation. Customers can buy items, including caps, T-shirts, tote bags, stationery, and a denim jacket online and in select stores globally. The design of the 'Kinder, Braver, Together' product was inspired by the Born This Way Foundation's goal of helping young people's mental health and creating a friendlier and more courageous world.
Beyond the product line, the collaboration will also support Born This Way Foundation initiatives, including the 'Be There Certificate,' a free online course created in partnership with Jack.org that provides participants with the knowledge to support peers facing mental health challenges.
To help more people, this partnership asks young people worldwide to nominate mental health organisations in Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Chosen nominees will be granted funding of up to R2 500 000 ($150 000) per country through the Born This Way Foundation's 'Kindness in Community Fund.' This initiative will broaden the access to resources that support mental health in the communities where Cotton On is active.
"We are grateful for the support of Cotton On Foundation and the opportunity to expand our collective impact worldwide. Every day, we witness young people around the world leading and transforming the discussion around mental health and calling for increased resources to support themselves, their peers, and their communities," said Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, President and Co-Founder of Born This Way Foundation.
"We hope this partnership will accelerate the delivery of tangible resources, skills, and grassroots support necessary to build kinder, braver communities that value and improve mental health."
Cotton On Foundation and Born This Way Foundation aim to impact young people globally and ignite a transformative movement that prioritises mental health and gives younger generations the tools to take action. With one in seven young people aged 10-19 worldwide experiencing mental health challenges, particularly depression and anxiety, and many unable to access support services, this partnership seeks to increase community-based mental health resources for young people and foster kinder communities, leading up to World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2023.
