Since 2019, Acts of Kindness Apparel - founded by Lachlan Brett - has stocked a range of T-shirts, baby wear and accessories with its distinct ‘AOK’ branding.
Each quarter, the Shepparton-based clothing company donates 20 per cent of its proceeds towards mental health and suicide awareness organisations.
“Sometimes this community surprises us in ways we cannot describe,” Berry Street Education First Youth Foyer team leader Tessa Marnane said.
“Lachlan approached us and said we want to donate this money, and to donate to people doing different things in the field of mental health.
“We are forever grateful to have this extra money to spend on our students.”
Ms Marnane said the $540 would go towards the foyer's in-house counselling services and other events chosen by students.
“It'll be great to have money for events and nice activities to keep us more social after last year - like trips to the snow, which are usually so expensive,” she said.
“It's always so helpful - we only have a certain budget for extra activities.”
Ms Marnane said the boost to the foyer's counselling services would also provide immediate, hands-on access to students put off by appointments to GPs, referrals or time delays.
“With the counselling we're trialling we've found people are much more likely to access these services if they're here onsite,” she said.
“Sometimes you need crisis support right then and now.”
As part of the donation, Mr Brett, who did graphic design at TAFE, did a presentation for students on how he founded the business and fostered its success.
In the past year, Acts of Kindness has donated to Headspace Shepparton, The Diversity Project, RUOK and Wellways Shepparton.
“It was really beneficial to our students to see someone make it in the industry as an entrepreneur,” Ms Marnane said.
“Acts Of Kindness Apparel, thank you for your generosity.
“Please support this awesome business.”
To shop the range, head to https://aokapparel.com.au/
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