Saks is marking Mental Health Awareness Month with multiple initiatives in May, including the sale of positive affirmation decals, a virtual event on its Saks Live digital platform and a special window installation at the Saks NYC flagship store. Additionally, the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation has launched an open grant application for nonprofit organizations seeking funding for mental health programs.
“Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year, yet the need for mental health resources and the stigma tied to seeking help remains,” said Marc Metrick, CEO of Saks and Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation board member in a statement. “This Mental Health Awareness Month, Saks is giving our customers the opportunity to engage with the Foundation’s mission to make mental health a priority in every community.”
The positive affirmation decals — reading “Start Anywhere,” “Kindness Matters” and “Trust Yourself” — will be available online and in select Saks Fifth Avenue stores. All proceeds from the sale of each $5 decal set will benefit the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation.
Saks is partnering with psychologist and intergenerational trauma expert Dr. Mariel Buqué to create custom content that will be published across Saks-owned digital platforms throughout the month. The content includes a virtual event that took place on May 4, plus interviews and videos on Saks’ social media channels and in The Edit, Saks’ editorial hub for fashion and style inspiration.
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Through May 18, a special window installation at the Saks Manhattan flagship will feature the messages of the positive affirmation decals in blown-up neon lettering, as well as information about the Foundation’s mental health mission.
Additionally, the retailer will offer events for its associates throughout the month, including a “Managing Stress at Work” panel discussion with speakers from Foundation nonprofit partner Bring Change to Mind. A team of Saks associates will participate in NAMIWalks Your Way NYC, the nation’s largest mental health event, on May 22.