General Pants has launched its second 'All In' campaign, this time encouraging retailers to raise funds for immediate support and long-term mental health research.
The retailer has penned an open letter to all retailers to unite for the 'All In' initiative to collectively drive meaningful change in mental health and support Black Dog lnstitute's One Foot Forward walk.
That campaign raised $780,000 for the Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
General Pants CEO Sacha Laing said that given the challenges of the pandemic, it was fitting that the All In campaign focused on mental health this year.
"With the impact of the past 18 months, it's imperative that we band together as retailers to do our part in the road to recovery for all Australians.
"We are stronger together and All In provides a unique opportunity to connect remote teams and as retailers combine our communities and platforms to drive real change," he said.
According to Black Dog's statistics, 80% of Australian respondents are experiencing increased signs of mental distress as a result of COVID-19.
"Sadly, suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-44," Black Dog Institute senior corporate partnership manager Tasman Cassim commented.
"More research and support will need to be offered to ensure this changes.
"We are delighted to partner with General Pants Co and truly appreciate their support with the One Foot Forward campaign.
"The awareness this generates helps more people to seek mental health support where needed.
"The funds raised will not only provide immediate support tools but will also continue our research in finding the best ways to offer that support," he said.
The All In campaign will go live in October and funds will be raised through the One Foot Forward walking challenge.
"The ‘All In’ initiative also provides a unique opportunity for us to encourage, and in some cases re-connect our teams, after a long period of disruption and disconnection," Laing added in a post to LinkedIn.
"Getting outdoors is a powerful way of improving health and wellbeing as we walk in solidarity for those experiencing mental illness.
"This is our opportunity to show our communities and our teams that they are not alone," he said.
In addition to the individual fundraising efforts of the team, General Pants will donate $1 for each kilometre its team walks, with a minimum commitment of $50,000.
Every dollar raised will go towards the Black Dog Institute's services, which includes face-to-face training within schools and an online clinic, which offers mental health support free of charge to those who need it most.