Creating Kindness: Ottawa Art Gallery, Giant Tiger, and Kids Help Phone Partner in Support of Youth Mental Health

The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), Giant Tiger, and Kids Help Phone are proud to be working together to launch a national campaign to raise funds and awareness for Anti–Bullying Day which this year is Wednesday, February 26. Inspired by an act of kindness at a small Nova Scotia high school, Anti-Bullying Day has become a global movement. Standing firm in the belief that art and culture are the building blocks of the society we want, OAG is proud to join this partnership which highlights the significant role art plays in youth mental health. 

The journey began in the spring of 2024 when OAG hosted t-shirt design workshops for young Ottawa artists, led by local illustrator and comic-book artist Andy Akangah. These sessions provided participants with the skills to develop design concepts and digitize their hand-drawn artworks for apparel.  

From the resulting designs, Nevada May’s was selected for this year’s fundraising t-shirt in support of Kids Help Phone to be sold in select Giant Tiger stores and online nation-wide. All profits raised from the sale of the shirts will be donated to Kids Help Phone to support their e-mental health services. 

“In our lives, we can never know all the ways that our words and actions impact others. When my design was selected to be part of this campaign, I was thrilled to know it would be seen across the country and raise money and awareness for Kids Help Phone,” said Ottawa-based artist and illustrator, Nevada May. “When I began creating this piece, I wanted to convey a sense of belonging—not necessarily to a specific group, but to a broader community.” 

The partnership exemplifies the profound impact of community collaboration, art, and corporate support in promoting kindness and mental health awareness among youth. By purchasing and wearing the pink shirt, individuals not only contribute to a vital cause but also make a visible statement against bullying, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. 

“OAG is incredibly proud to partner with Giant Tiger and Kids Help Phone to amplify the power of art. This collaboration not only helps raise awareness for Anti-Bullying Day, but also empowers youth to express their experiences and challenges through creativity. The unique designs created by young artists, culminating in Nevada May’s outstanding work, remind us that art can be a powerful tool for change and a means of connecting us all to the importance of kindness and mental health support.” –  Alexandra Badzak, OAG Director and CEO 

To celebrate this initiative, OAG is hosting an exhibition titled Creating Kindness, showcasing the unique designs from the participating youth artists. The exhibition, on display on level 0, runs from February 1 to April 27, 2025, offering visitors a glimpse into the creative process and the powerful messages behind each design.  

The exclusive pink shirt is now available in select Giant Tiger stores and online at GiantTiger.com. Since 2023, this initiative has raised over $257,000 to support Kids Help Phone’s crisis response texting and other essential services.  

Together, through creativity and compassion, we can make a difference in the lives of young people across Canada. Get your pink shirt, proudly wear it and be part of the message!