Harry Styles carrying charity tote bag helps raise $40,000 for mental health
The merchandise sales from the Other People Fund have funded 1,300 therapy sessions for people unable to afford care.
Pop star Harry Styles was photographed carrying a canvas tote bag through London, which helped raise $40,000 for a mental health initiative, according to the Times of India.
The bag belonged to the Other People Fund, an independent project started by Elena Kilgore. The funds generated from merchandise sales went to the non-profit organisation, Support for the Psyche.
The initiative has used the money to pay for more than 1,300 therapy sessions for people who cannot afford treatment. Kilgore told Novel Magazine that finance and mental illness are intertwined.
Kilgore said she originally planned to keep the project small by selling 100 shirts to fund therapy for people in her personal circle. She designed the clothing with Styles in mind and contacted his stylist through Instagram.
The stylist purchased a shirt and a tote bag, and photos of Styles with the bag later spread on social media. This led thousands of fans to the charity's website.
The project continues to sell merchandise, including special tote bag collaborations, with all proceeds going towards helping people pay for mental healthcare.