Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and Cotton On Invest R6,4 million in Youth-Led Mental Health Initiatives in South Africa

Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and Cotton On have announced their R6,4 million donation towards 6 South African mental health organisations. This forms part of $3,000,000 USD funding of 65 youth-centered organizations across ten countries through the Kindness in Community Fund, among the largest funding efforts to provide direct support for youth mental health across the world.

From nominations to the initial review to selecting the shortlist, all the way to the final selection, young people in each region were engaged at each step, ensuring their input and perspectives were central to the decision-making process and reflecting their genuine needs and priorities in mental health.

The Kindness in Community Fund grantees span a wide range of focus areas, including direct mental health service providers, arts and culture, youth leadership and development, education, sports and recreation, and more. By offering up to $150,000 USD per organization, the fund enables services that respond to the top themes young people hoped to address in their regions, including culturally competent services, LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy, gender-based violence support, de-stigmatizing mental health, and migrant and refugee community care. The Kindness in Community Fund offers a comprehensive approach that connects young people with a wide range of free, accessible resources and opportunities to support themselves and their peers.

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Cotton On Foundation Launches Mental Health Campaign with Lady Gaga’s Born this Way Foundation

Australian-born fashion and lifestyle brand Cotton On have partnered their philanthropic arm, Cotton On Foundation with US-based non-profit Born This Way Foundation, founded by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, in 2012. Together, they aim to raise $5 million USD for global mental health, with R2 500 000 being donated to provide mental health support for youth in South Africa. 

“We’re honored to partner with Cotton On Foundation for our first global campaign amplifying our mission to build a kinder, braver world together,” said Lady Gaga, Co-Founder of Born This Way Foundation. “We are constantly working to uplift the stories of young people worldwide, and through this partnership, we invite everyone to practice kindness and learn how to better support one another. Our research tells us that kindness is one way we can support each other’s mental health.”

The two organisations came together to create a range of limited-edition products available from 1 September – 10 October 2023 with Cotton On donating 100% of the net proceeds to Born This Way Foundation, making Cotton On one of the biggest corporate contributors to global youth mental health resources and support in 2023. Customers can purchase items, including caps, T-shirts, tote bags, stationery, and a denim jacket online and in select stores globally. The ‘Kinder, Braver, Together’ product design was inspired by Born This Way Foundation’s mission of supporting youth mental health and working with young people to build a kinder, braver world. An ethos shared by Cotton On Foundation on their journey to create a world where everyone can thrive.

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Lady Gaga “Born this Way Ball” hits Jozi

So everyone and their aunty is attending tonight’s Lady Gaga concert in Jozi, besides me. Tickets sold out faster than melting ice on a hot summer’s day, so alas, I am not attending *sigh* But here are some pics of fans who are gaga for Gaga and mimicked her trademark over the top look, at the Big Concerts event.

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