Trigger warning. This story discusses grief, loss and suicide, if you are feeling vulnerable this might not be the right time for you to read this story. If you are needing support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
It’s Okay Not To Be Okay (IONTBO) has today been announced as the official charity partner of Yarnberg Entertainment.
IONTBO is a mental health charity whose mission is to advocate and create change in mental health, grief and suicide prevention.
You might already be familiar with IONTBO from its bumper stickers, hoodies, beanies and other merch which has been seen all the way from Mount Everest base camp to the Paris Olympics, and is particularly prominent in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula.
The organisation was founded in 2016 by three grieving sisters after the tragic loss of their brother Ben Hocking to suicide.
Since its beginnings, the charity has gone on to:
- run mental health workshops at schools, sporting clubs and businesses
- donate more than 100 grief packs
- sponsor more than $20,000 in counselling
- amass a huge online community more than 110k followers in Instagram
- spread the message and start the conversation on mental health with millions
The formal partnership comes following a successful kick-off event in 2024 which raised more than $10,000 for the charity, coupled with great alignment between the brands.
“From my side, it was such a natural fit. The Yarnberg mission to create spaces where people feel like legends plays an important role in fostering good mental health. Connecting with your family, friends and colleagues in an environment where you are not only accepted, but celebrated for who you are, is a wonderful way to get away from the challenges life throws at us and have some fun. But this is only one part of the puzzle,” said Jacob Schnackenberg, Chief Entertainment Officer at Yarnberg Entertainment.
“There are times when we all feel the pinch and we need to work through it, be that a conversation with a close friend, or seeking professional support. Georgia and IONTBO offer a range of amazing services to help people start those conversations, process trauma and work toward better mental health.“
“I first got to work with Jacob from Yarnberg Entertainment back in 2024 when Jacob ran a trivia night fundraiser for our charity. Jacob created such a fantastic event where everyone was included and had fun.
Jacob leads with authenticity and inclusion and that is why we are grateful for his support and looking forward to seeing what 2025 brings,” said Georgia Co-Founder at IONTBO.
As the Yarnberg Entertainment official charity partner, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay will receive the following package:
- One pro bono trivia or music bingo fundraising night per year
- Two per cent of revenue after tax donated to the charity
- Promotion at Yarnberg Entertainment events
- IONTBO merch available for sale at select Yarnberg events
“This is a wonderful start and I’m beyond excited as to where this partnership could go in the next three to five years!” said Jacob.
To connect with It’s Okay Not To Be Okay and purchase merchandise, make a donation, or find mental health services, click the button below.
