The Kate Spade New York Foundation has announced plans to donate $1million US (approx. $1.36 million AU) to mental health services following the tragic death of its namesake founder, Kate Spade.
The 55-year old designer was found dead in her New York City apartment on June 6, sending shockwaves across the fashion industry and beyond.
At the time, the Kate Spade Foundation released a brief statement, writing on Instagram, “Kate Spade, the visionary founder of our brand, has passed.
“Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly heartbreaking time. We honour all the beauty she brought into this world.”
Now, the foundation has committed to giving $250,000 US to the Crisis Text Line – a free, 24-hour text message service for people in crisis.
The remaining $750,000 US will be donated to other mental health awareness and suicide prevention causes. In addition, from June 20 to 29, the Kate Spade New York Foundation will match public donations made to the Crisis Text Line, up to $100K.
Spade launched her eponymous label in 1993, before on-selling it in 2006.
According to her husband, Andy Spade, Kate suffered from depression and anxiety for years. “She was actively seeking help and working closely with her doctors to treat her disease, one that takes far too many lives,” he said in a statement.
Kate is survived by Andy and their 13-year-old daughter, Frances Beatrix Spade.
RELATED: The Important Takeaway From Kate Spade And Anthony Bourdain’s Deaths
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyondblue 1300 224 636.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
