Last month was ‘Women’s Abuse Prevention Month’, focusing on the important notion that every woman has the fundamental right to live in safety and security in her home and community — free from the threat of violence. This month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about violence against women and its prevention.

To usher in this month, last October one half of YBP had the pleasure of visiting Interval House, Bon Iver‘s elected charity, to meet the people there and to make our first donation from the proceeds of his t-shirt. We are proud to announce on donation of $8000. Below is a letter of thanks from their executive manager.

October 14, 2009

Dear Matt,

Thank you so much once again for visiting Interval House and for Yellow Bird Project’s contribution! Your compassion and friendship have provided abused women and their children with the most precious gift: the chance to rebuild their lives free of fear and violence. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your recent $8,000 donations, raised through the sale of Bon Iver designed t-shirts.

We’re full to capacity as usual, but there’s an incredible excitement at Interval House as the leaves start to turn golden and the women and children at the shelter plan activities together for the brisk fall days. With Hallowe’en quickly approaching, counsellors are busy planning fun activities, and families are forming lasting bonds with each other that are so essential on their journey towards independence and lives free from violence.

We’re looking forward to working with Yellow Bird Project in the future, and will do everything we can to promote the project. This initiative is an extremely creative way to engage individuals, and will help Interval House reach out to a new demographic. We hope that this partnership will allow our message to get out to younger women, to let them know that there is somewhere to go if they are experiencing abuse.

On behalf of the women and children who are fleeing violence, thank you for taking the time to organize such a wonderful and creative project for Interval House!

Sincerely,

Lesley Ackrill

Executive Manager

Every year it’s the same. Christmas shopping. What to buy, where to buy it, and when can I find the time? You want to make everyone happy, but you’re killing yourself trying to figure out how. Well, Bon Iver (Justin Vernon) just made it a little bit easier for you to find that perfect Christmas gift. May we present to you this brand new Bon Iver t-shirt. Inspired by Bon Iver’s album, and designed by Eleanor Rudge, this design is meant to convey a sense of isolation and mysteriousness, but at the same time – a feeling of warmth. Justin has chosen to support Interval House, which is a women’s shelter located in Toronto, Ontario. Let’s keep everyone safe and warm this Christmas.  Buy this t-shirt, and give meaning to the holiday which is all about sharing and giving.

This design is printed on Athletic Grey, on a special Tri-Blend material (50% Polyester / 25% Cotton / 25% Rayon). It’s possibly the comfyest t-shirt you will ever own. And, it’s available in ALL sizes. So you can buy one for your boyfriend, your girlfriend, and every other member of your family. For Christmas buying tips, follow the lead of Paul Miller. Looks like this could be a good winter afterall!

>> Click here to buy this tee!

MP3:>> Bon Iver – For Emma (Justin on Piano)