Merch Aid emerged in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to support small businesses facing dire economic times. The concept? Give the community a way to show beloved businesses some love while scoring some well-designed merch in the process.
Created by a trio of innovative minds at R/GA, the project pairs designers with small businesses, and the subsequent collaboration is made available for a set preorder period. Production then takes place, and all profits go to the featured businesses. After launching with Debbie Millman’s Astoria Bookshop design, the initiative has gone on to feature designs by many creatives, raising nearly $200,000.
Now, in support of the global movement that has arisen in the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery and the injustices perpetrated toward innumerable others, Merch Aid is releasing a collection designed by black artists, with the funds going to organizations that support the black community.
“Merch Aid was started for a simple reason: to support those in need through connecting the community,” the site details. “For too long, the voices of the black community have been silenced. A kind of silence that has come at the expense of black lives, over and over again.”
Here are the current releases thus far, which are available as both T-shirts and prints. To buy one and support the organizations at hand, click here.