HeadFirst: How Are You, Really? Campaign

We are excited to once again partner with Headfirst on their mental health awareness merchandise fundraiser in support of Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Wellington-Guelph.

Launched last year, this meaningful initiative raised $3,000 for youth mental health supports in our community. The fundraiser was created by Jono Carreiro’s family to honour his legacy while raising both awareness and funds for mental health. The name Headfirst reflects the importance of prioritizing mental health—putting your head first—as well as the way Jono lived his life. A gifted athlete and natural leader, Jono led with heart, determination, and always…headfirst.

This year’s CMHA Mental Health Week (May 4–10) theme, Stronger Connections. Better Mental Health., highlights the vital role social connection plays in our overall well‑being. From May 4–10, community members are invited to Come Together through small, everyday actions of connection. Simple moments, checking in with someone, truly listening, making a donation, purchasing Headfirst merch (@headfirst.project), or asking the question “How are you, really?” can make a meaningful difference in someone’s mental health.

In support of this message, and to help ensure youth continue to have access to vital in‑person supports, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Wellington‑Guelph (The Grove) will be at Market Fresh from 12–1 p.m. all week long. Community members are encouraged to donate at the till, learn more about YWHO W‑G, and discover the wide range of programs and services available to youth across our community.

The campaign is inspired by the original “How Are You Really?” design, first introduced by Charmaine Collins in 2021 through Mask Off. The message encourages honest check‑ins and real conversations about mental health, reminding us to look beyond the surface and support one another.

From every purchase, $10 from each sweater and $5 from every hat or t‑shirt sold will directly support YWHO W-G, helping ensure local youth can access critical mental health services. This year, we’re also proud to have engaged Grove youth through a t‑shirt design contest and look forward to partnering with local businesses to further spread awareness.

Pre‑orders ran from April 1–12, with merchandise arriving in time for Mental Health Week. For those who missed pre‑orders, merchandise will be available for purchase May 1–14. During Mental Health Week, we encourage everyone to wear their merch, share on social media, check in with the people around you, ask “How are you really?”, and inspire others to get involved.

Together, we can keep the conversation going and make a meaningful difference—headfirst.