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 towards MATES’ meaningful work of supporting construction workers in 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.

MATES National chief executive Chris Lockwood says that the partnership with Bunnings Trade has provided MATES with 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,” he says.

“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.”