28 November 2022

Bunnings X MATES in Construction limited edition hoodies sell out; $500,000 raised for MATES mental health & suicide prevention work

It took under four weeks for the trade and construction community to help raise $500,000 for mental health and suicide prevention, with the sell-out of MATES in Construction and Bunnings Trade limited edition co-branded hoodies.

The co-branded black hoodie is a limited-edition version of the Bunnings Trade popular hoodie, with the aim to help raise awareness and vital funds for MATES suicide prevention training and support at construction sites across Australia.

Thanks to the generosity of tradies and builders across Australia, Bunnings Trade has contributed $500,000 to go towards MATES meaningful work of supporting construction workers in the areas of mental health and suicide prevention, benefiting MATES branches nationally.

In addition, the partnership allowed MATES to raise awareness of their work and cause with Bunnings Trade customers, PowerPass members and team members, including engagement at the National Bunnings Trade Expos and the Bunnings National Trade BBQ launch event in August.

Chris Lockwood, MATES National CEO, said that the partnership with Bunnings Trade has provided MATES an opportunity to connect with tradies and construction workers in a meaningful way.

“This partnership has provided MATES with a platform to directly connect with construction and trade workers to help raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. The contribution of $500,000 through the hoodie sales is vital for MATES to continue to grow and provide support to those most vulnerable in the industry.

“Our team has genuinely loved working with the Bunnings Trade team and enjoyed getting down to the Bunnings Trade Breakfast BBQs to launch the hoodies and talk to customers, many which had not heard of MATES and our services before. The positive feedback and engagement from Bunnings Trade customers to learn more about MATES was amazing and cemented our purpose to improve the mental health and well-being of workers and reduce suicide and that everyone in the industry must play their part”, said Chris.

Rod Caust, General Manager – Bunnings Trade, said the response from the community had been truly incredible.

“We were blown away at the support shown by our customers and team, with the hoodies selling out in less than four weeks (the majority in the first 24 hours). The work MATES do in the space of mental health and suicide prevention is so important to our industry and we are pleased we can play a small part in helping to raise awareness and funds to support and continue the vital work MATES do for our trade and construction community”, said Rod.

To find out more about the MATES in Construction and Bunnings Trade Australia partnership or for information on making a donation to MATES please head to https://trade.bunnings.com.au/MATES.

-End -

For more information or media enquiries please contact:

MATES Brand & Comms Manger: David Moody @ dmoody@mates.org.au or call 07 3063 7054

Bunnings PR Manager: Hannah Bremner @ hbremner@bunnings.com.au or call 0402169067

MATES in Construction?

MATES is a charity established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers. MATES in Construction provides awareness training to industry workers to give them the skills to recognise the signs a workmate might be struggling with life. MATES provides suicide prevention through community development programs on sites, and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line.

https://mates.org.au/construction/

tel:1300 642 111

Bunnings Trade

Bunnings Trade is a major supplier to project builders, commercial tradespeople and the housing industry. It serves the industry through a network of 386 trading locations made up of 282 warehouses, 68 smaller format stores, 33 trade centres and 3 frame and truss centres.

Bunnings is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its team and is a founding member of the Corporate Mental Health Alliance (CMHAA), and a signatory of the National Communications Charter, a formal commitment to working together to deliver consistent and positive messages about mental health and suicide prevention.