Sunday marked the 7th annual Vans 4 Tristian event, held in memory of teen, Tristian Velez who committed suicide in 2014.
Tristian’s family says this event is to keep his memory alive while bringing awareness to mental health and suicide prevention. Vans were his favorite shoes, they collect vans to donate to kids in need, and over the past 7 years have donated more than 5,000 pairs of shoes.
Tristians mother Sophie Stewart says it’s important to spread suicide awareness, especially in teens.
Everybody in a way struggles with mental health, right. Life can be difficult so this gives an opportunity where people can come together and talk. And obviously as we share our story about Tristan it kind of opens up the conversation point.
Participants were also able to make donations either in the form of $50 or a pair of vans, and get a tattoo from a local artist who donated their time and expertise to the event.
For more details on Vans4trirstian you can visit: https://www.vansfortristan.org/