Vans tackles mental wellness with Checkerboard Day
The brand is also donating $1 million to charities focused on mental health
2020 has been a ride, don’t we know it. Mental health is an unlikely topic that, as the pandemic continues to isolate people around the world, has become an increasingly important discussion straight across the board. Vans is one brand that has championed the discussion and brought back Checkerboard Day as a way to advocate for creative expression and mental health.
Last year, Vans inaugurated Checkerboard Day on November 19 as a global initiative to champion creative self-expression as an outlet for mental wellness. On this day in 2020, as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the planet, to combat rising mental health concerns due to global isolation, this year’s Checkerboard Day will focus specifically on the vital role creativity plays in helping individuals and communities address mental health and well-being around the world.
To support the initiative, Vans has donated $1 million to 10 global charities and united the Vans friends, fans and family around a shared mission of mental health and well-being. In addition the financial support by Vans directly, the brand is encouraging fans across the globe to raise additional donations and support the 10 regional charities. There are several ways to do that, like purchasing a limited-edition Vans Checkerboard Day t-shirt or pair of Authentics designed by renowned artist and Vans brand ambassador Geoff McFetridge. 100% of proceeds for each product sold will be donated to The Vans Checkerboard Fund at Tides Foundation.
The brand is also rallying global fans to participate in digital initiatives focused on uplifting and driving awareness for the power of creative self-expression as a resource for mental health and well-being. This includes a #VansCheckerboardDay TikTok Challenge and hearing from global brand ambassadors like Tony Hawk, Anderson .Paak, Yaya Zahir and others about how creative self-expression has helped them along their journey.
The second-annual Vans Checkerboard Day to be held on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Follow Vans on social media to participate in the #VansCheckerboardDay TikTok challenge, and visit Vans.com/checkerboardday to check out more about Checkerboard Day and pick up merch.
