One image from the inauguration of 46th US President Joe Biden has now become better known than any other. It is the picture of Vermont Senator, Bernie Sanders sitting on a chair wearing a facemask and some extremely warm looking mittens.
The image of the left-wing politician, who ran against Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination, has gone viral since it was first snapped, finding its way into an array of memes. It is now though being used to support good causes.
Bernie Sanders, capitalising on the image, has set up an online store selling merchandise, including a sweatshirt with the famous image on it, with all proceeds going to help the 'Meals on Wheels in Vermont' charity. The Senator hails from Vermont and represents the state in the Senate.
Meals on Wheels in Vermont is a charity that helps senior citizens by delivering food to their homes when they may be immobile or frail. This is a particularly helpful service during the pandemic when many older people feel unsafe to leave their homes.
Following his political ideology, all of the Sanders merchandise is made by union workers in the United States, thereby guaranteeing a fair wage for everyone involved in the production process.
The meals-on-wheels charity isn't the only one benefiting from the meme image. Jen Ellis, who is a second grade teacher and knitted the mittens that Bernie wore, has now been inundated with requests to buy a pair. Ellis has now taken it upon herself to knit new pairs and place them in a charity auction. Bids of several thousand dollars have already been made for the now famous mittens.
One charity set to benefit from the mitten auction is Outright Vermont, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ youth.
Executive Director Dana Kaplan of the charity said:
"This is a thrilling opportunity to spread much needed warmth for LGBTQ+ youth in Vermont and beyond! The meme of 2021 bringing awareness to young folks, many of whom are in the depths of isolation and disconnection, being celebrated and recognized.... talk about, hope, equity, and power!"
Mitten creator Ellis said on twitter:
"Bernie Sanders called me earlier today to tell me that the mitten frenzy has already raised an enormous amount of money for Vermont charities. I am not authorized to disclose the amount yet- but it's BIG and it's amazing! Thank you!! Generosity brings joy."
Bernie Sanders called me earlier today to tell me that the mitten frenzy has already raised an enormous amount of money for Vermont charities. I am not authorized to disclose the amount yet- but it's BIG and it's amazing! Thank you!! Generosity brings joy. @People4Bernie
— Jen Ellis (@vtawesomeness) January 25, 2021
Bernie Sanders is currently one of the oldest Senators in the Senate, where he sits as an independent. He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. He was a congressman from 1991 to 2007 and a Senator from 2007 to present.
h/t: Forbes
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