Bernie and his mittens are raising serious cash for charity! That now famous photo of Sen. Bernie Sanders and his woolly mittens at the presidential inauguration have helped raise $1.8 million in only five days! All the proceeds of the sale of sweatshirts and t-shirts and stickers will go to charitable organizations in Vermont, Sanders’ home state.
Soon after the photo memes went viral, Sanders decided to help those in need. He added the new merch to his website on Thursday, January 21st, the day after the inauguration. The first batch of items sold out in only 30 minutes! He added more during the weekend and that stuff was gone by Monday morning. According to his website, there is now a 4 to 8 week wait for a sweatshirt (3 to 6 for a t-shirt) featuring the "Chairman Sanders" image.
Bernie said, “Jane and I were amazed by all the creativity shown by so many people over the last week, and we’re glad we can use my internet fame to help Vermonters in need.”
Several groups in Vermont will receive money from the merch sales including Meals on Wheels, Vermont Parent Child Network, senior centers and community action centers in Vermont and others.
Photo Credit: Getty Images / Brendan Smialowski