Community-oriented podcast Jonesy’s Corner is launching a fundraiser in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge.
Beginning Friday (May 24), all purchases of select merchandise courtesy of Imprinted Apparel made until the end of June will include a donation to the national non-profit organization that promotes resources, programs, and advocacy for mental health.
Included in the fundraiser are a hoodie and men’s and women’s T-shirts, all reading “it’s okay not to be okay” with the CMHA logo on the front and the podcast logo on the sleeve. All come in a range of sizes and are available in navy or black. For every $10 sold of the merchandise, Imprinted Apparel will donate $10 to CMHA.
“During the past couple months on the podcast, I’ve mentioned mental health and it’s been something very up and down this whole pandemic, so I’m very passionate about what they do,” says podcast founder Ken John “Jonesy” Jones, who notes he has also lost a friend to mental health struggles. “I thought we may as well team up with Imprinted Apparel and raise money for CMHA at the same time.”
Born and raised in Peterborough, Jones uses his podcast to interview community members who speak on a range of different topics including their personal journeys, their place of work or organization, or about upcoming events in the region.
He launched Jonesy’s Corner during the pandemic at a time when he was volunteering with not-for-profit organization Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough. Since he was not allowed inside the building and had to connect with his community online, he was inspired him to find connection in other ways.
“People told me that I’m good at engaging in conversation, so I got this idea to get to know the Peterborough community better by interviewing them because everyone was at home and couldn’t get to see each other,” he says. “So, (I) might as well try to brighten everyone’s day or week with inspiring stories from members of our community.”
Having celebrated its two-year anniversary just last month, Jonesy’s Corner has become well-known in the community, and Jones can often be found supporting local musicians and attending community festivals.
He has invited more than 150 guests to share their news and stories on his podcast — many of which have come back to be interviewed more than once.
“It felt like a way to give back,” says Jones. “When you’re proud to call a community home, it’s about trying to get to know each other better. If it weren’t for the podcast, I wouldn’t have gotten to meet so many members of non-profit organizations, musicians, business owners, (and) entrepreneurs. And it’s not just me — it’s for them to share their stories and raise awareness about their events.”
By hosting his podcast on Instagram, Jones has even been able to reach audiences outside the community and hopefully help his guests find more supporters and listeners.
“The best part about being on Instagram is it can be seen by people in Toronto or families in Ottawa and beyond,” he says. “They may not always know about this person before, but they know about the event by doing these interviews.”
In February of 2023, Jones hosted a similar fundraiser in partnership with the podcast sponsor Imprinted Apparel, and ultimately raised $1,200 for Kawartha Food Share.
“In my mind, the community all comes together for a great cause, and the generosity our community is known for organizations like Kawartha Food Share, especially that time of year,” he says.
When asked if has a goal in mind for the CMHA fundraiser, Jones says he does not need one.
“I know in my heart that the community will always come together for a big cause like mental health,” he says.
Throughout the time the fundraiser is being held, there will be a lot more to look forward to on Jonesy’s Corner including speakers from the 2024 Dragon Boat Festival, Five Counties Children Centre, and more.
As Jones says, “There’s always more stories to tell.”
You can listen to the Jonesy’s Corner podcast on Instagram @jonesys_corner_podcast_, and browse the collection for the fundraiser at imprintedapparelstore.com/jonesy/.
