If I Die Young (organization)
 | |
| Abbreviation | IF.I.D.Y |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Purpose | To give struggling people a family, a purpose, and a community. Being dedicated to helping others through the tough times, and coming out of it stronger, TOGETHER - UNITED. |
| Location |
|
Founder / Creative Director | Kevin Barnett |
| Website | www.IfIDieYoung.org |
If I Die Young (IFIDY) is an American non-profit organization founded on June 10, 2014 which exists to give struggling teens a new family, a new goal, and a community. In particular, the organization raises funds for these causes by selling a line of clothing on their website, as well as organizing charity events on social media.[1]
History
If I Die Young's goal stems from a personal encounter that its founder had with a fellow student named Cody, a young man who struggled with severe depression and isolation. In an attempt to convince Cody that suicide was not the only option, Kevin suggested that he make a list of all the people and things that would change if he were to take his own life. A week later, Cody was involved in a motorcycle accident that took his life.[2]
In his backpack was the list I asked him to write, which he had labeled “IF I DIE YOUNG”. The only thing written underneath the title was my name….[2]
Through the sale of t-shirts and charity fundraisers, If I Die Young hopes to provide financial support to send addicts to [rehabilitation clinics] and assist teens struggling with self-harm. In addition, the organization seeks to provide an interactive community to support teens whose families have died and to call attention to the problems caused by depression and addiction.[3]
Events
So far, the organization has made appearances at events entitled Let's Move Cities and Third String Productions. In addition, If I Die Young plans to make an appearance at South by So What?! music festival to sell t-shirts and raise awareness.[4]
References
- ↑ Barnett, Kevin. "Not Just A Shirt". IfIDieYoung.org. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
- 1 2 Barnett, Kevin. "Where If I Die Young Started". IfIDieYoung.org. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
- ↑ Barnett, Kevin. "Our Future Goals". IfIDieYoung.org. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
- ↑ Barnett, Kevin. "If I Die Young (2015) Update". Youtube.com. Retrieved 22 January 2015.