Bunnings stores on the Central Coast and nationwide have teamed up with suicide prevention organisation MATES in Construction to launch new limited-edition MATES x Bunnings Trade hoodie.
Last year’s partnership raised $500,000 for MATES in Construction with funds raised from the sale of each hoodie directly invested in critical services dedicated to preventing suicide and improving mental health within the construction industry.
Bunnings West Gosford Complex Manager Josh Mahony said this year’s partnership was officially launched with a trade brekkie on Friday, August 18.
“It was awesome to have our customers lining up bright and early to get their hands on a hoodie for such an important cause,” Mahony said.
“All profits from the hoodies are going towards MATES to help further their work improving mental health for construction workers and we’re proud to play a small part in supporting them.”
MATES National CEO Chris Lockwood said the organisation was immensely grateful for the overwhelming support received through last year’s hoodie campaign.
“The funds raised enabled us to recruit an additional four frontline personnel, expanding our reach and impact within the construction industry,” he said.
“We are excited about the launch of this year’s MATES x Bunnings Trade hoodie and the opportunity it presents to further our work in the construction industry.”
Bunnings Trade General Manager Rod Caust said the company was proud to be once again helping raise funds and awareness for mental health support for the trade and construction community.
“Last year’s sell-out hoodie allowed MATES to expand resources for the important work they do in mental health and suicide prevention for our industry and this year’s partnership aims to continue building on this,’’ he said.
“We are really excited to be launching the latest limited-edition version of the co-branded hoodie to raise awareness and funds and prompt our team and customers to check in on a mate.”
More than 200 Australians working in the construction industry lose their lives to suicide each year, equating to a construction worker taking their own life every second day.
Suicide rates for male construction workers are approximately twice that of other industry workers and they are eight times more likely to die from suicide than from a workplace accident.
Terry Collins