NEWS RELEASE
MARNIE & MICHAEL
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Penetanguishene-based artisan leather creator and mental health advocate Marnie & Michael will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, May 6 called the Spring Revival held at Sevenoaks Academy [located at 190 Cook St., in Barrie].
Launched during Mental Health Week, the event will feature guest speakers, a full-day pop-up market and an evening VIP fashion show to help increase awareness of mental health. Marnie & Michael chose the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Foundation as the inaugural fundraiser recipient to help them achieve their $100-million expansion goal, which includes a focus on mental health.
Founder Jennifer St. John is excited about the opportunity to share Marnie & Michael’s products, her mental health advocacy work, and further cultivate a supportive mental health community.
“The event is a platform to increase awareness about mental health with the hope of reducing the stigma,” said St. John. “We’re thrilled to be able to align with other businesses that share the same mission.”
Currently, more than 6.7 million people in Canada live with a mental health condition, with the pandemic dramatically escalating the number of youth and adults who require support. Wait-lists for support are now typically over two years long.
“Growing up, the only constant in my life was instability and I felt shamed into saying nothing, keeping my home life a close secret,” said St. John when describing her experience of living with a parent that struggled with mental health. “I am determined to be a part of the conversation and space that is changing this.”
Marnie & Michael donates up to 15 per cent of all profits from its artisan handbags to mental health initiatives.
The free daytime event from 12 to 5 p.m. will include an exciting lineup of guest speakers, with a focus on women/youth mental health with local businesses and experts. There will also be a local vendor market, Mother’s Day station activities for kids and additional resources on mental health.
The evening portion will be a ticketed event from 7-10 p.m., and feature a VIP fashion show with local vendors, silent auction, appetizers and beverages and additional fundraising opportunities.
Marnie & Michael will be featuring its 2023 Revival line, a series of three product favourites revitalized with a stamped croc pattern, plus the launch of three brand-new designs, including her mental health journal, which incorporates quotes from her mother’s mental health journey.
Event page: marnieandmichael.com/pages/spring-revival.
Ticket information: marnieandmichael.com/products/ticket-to-the-spring-revival-vip-fashion-event.
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