Physical distancing is an awkward part of our new reality yet reinforcing this vital message to perfect strangers on your government-approved daily outing can trigger anxiety in some and complacency in others.
To reinforce the importance of the 1.5 metre distancing rule, Sydney brand consultants Jonathan Samuel and Scott Dunn have launched #onepointfiveplease, a cheeky range of T-shirts with a universal symbol and strong visual reminder to social distance.
Via a purpose-built website, onepointfiveplease.com.au, people can jump online to browse from a selection of T-shirt designs and sizes.
The T-shirts are printed, procured and produced locally to support the community, with all proceeds going to mental health charity, headspace.org.au.
Jonathan Samuel, partner of The Brand Management Company, says: “Australia has the Big Mower Lady Driver, the Big Shrimp and the Big Banana, and new for the 2020 line up: the The Big Yellow Circle -- a visual cue for those in the know, and for those that still seem oblivious to their common duty to society.
“Through the sale of some cool T-shirts, the idea for #onepointfiveplease has two main objectives," says Samul.
"Firstly, to visually remind us all of the rules and maybe help take that little awkwardness out of our trip to the supermarket.
"Secondly, we want to help raise funds for mental health institutes. We want to positively contribute and do our bit to keep things moving.”
Business partner Scott Dunn: “We all know what a stop sign looks like and with our project, we have made a yellow symbol that represents an action and supports the key message that social distancing is your obligation.
"Greater awareness is a win-win and the more we stick to the rules the sooner we will all regain our freedom!”
He says recent reports indicate that nearly one in four calls to mental health service providers are currently due to fears about COVID-19.
“To help raise much needed funds for charity we also should encourage a community consensus for our new responsibilities.
"With the effects of social isolation expected to worsen, we would like to start by supporting Headspace, which provides early intervention and mental health services to 12 to 25-year-olds.”
Click here to order a #onepointfiveplease Big Yellow Circle T-shirt and help raise funds for Headspace.
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