Pearl Jam Donating Merchandising Proceeds to Planned Parenthood
Pearl Jam have been one of the more socially aware acts in music for years and they've turned their attention to the current concern over health care in America with plans to help fund the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
The group is donating 100 percent of their t-shirt proceeds and 25 percent of all goods sold at their website through March 12 to Planned Parenthood, with the idea that it will help ensure equal health care for everyone, especially in states where clinics have been or might be defunded. In addition, they will also spread some of the funding to Planned Parenthood Global in support of health care partners across Africa and Latin America addressing the impact of the recently reinstated Global Gag Rule.
Since t-shirt sales are a big component of the fundraising effort, Pearl Jam's own Jeff Ament has created a limited edition shirt designed to reflect the band's solidarity with women as well as their support of Planned Parenthood. The designs can be seen at the top and bottom of this post.
"We've been wanting to do something to help since we heard about the defunding and closure of some of the more isolated clinics, like El Paso and Midland, that has resulted in women having to drive hundreds of miles for reproductive care," explains Ament. "Planned Parenthood is being threatened with massive cuts and it's more important than ever to show our support for one of our favorite organizations."
The t-shirts are 100 percent organic Bella and Canvas, made in the USA and screen printed by Mary Milliron of Pork Chop Screen Printing in Seattle. To get your shirt, check out the band's apparel shop here. And to donate directly to Planned Parenthood, you can do so at this location.
Pearl Jam Limited Edition Shirts
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