Red Truck, the online sports marketplace that sends at least 5% of every sale to designated causes, has announced a partnership with the Check-In Foundation. Based out of Arvada, Colorado, the Check-In Foundation was launched in February 2017 with the mission of spreading suicide and CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) awareness throughout the cycling and sports communities.
April Paige lost her younger brother to suicide in 1998. The sudden loss was a shock to her family and they never uncovered answers as to why he made the decision to take his own life. On February 4, 2016, Paige again lost a close loved one when her partner, Clay Watson, drove out to one of his favourite mountain biking spots and ended his own life with a gunshot. This was the exact same day that BMX star Dave Mirra committed suicide 2,000 miles away in Greenville, NC.
Paige, a long-time mountain biker and outdoor enthusiast, views the formation of the Check-In Foundation as her calling. She said “The foundation is a community-based suicide awareness and prevention program that includes education, youth development, and referral for outreach and ongoing support. Together in partnership with RedTruck, there is an incredible opportunity to make a profound impact on people’s lives surrounding CTE and suicide.”
“Red Truck sees the direct impact that the Check-In Foundation is already having on suicide awareness within the cycling community and we applaud the work of April and her team,” said Red Truck President and CEO Michael Bergmann. “Fundraising is the greatest challenge for foundations in their early stages and we are excited to be able to offer a solution through the Red Truck marketplace.”
The Check-In Foundation name was taken from a command that April Paige and Clay Watson used with their dog Bailey when they wanted his attention. Today, the foundation encourages followers to ‘Check-In’ with their loved ones on the 4th day of every month by recognizing the signs of mental health issues and offering support.
Those who wish to contribute directly can list gear for sale at www.redtruck.com or make a monetary donation through the foundation’s website.
