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The teacher who created the recycled wool mittens that US Senator Bernie Sanders wore at the presidential inauguration – spawning countless memes – is teaming up with the Vermont Teddy Bear Company to create a whole line of mittens to suit growing demand, with a portion of the profits going to Make-A-Wish Vermont.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled because I personally can’t make 18,000 pairs of mittens,” Jen Ellis said on Saturday, estimating how many people have contacted her. “Everyone will have their mittens – everyone.”
Ellis, a Vermont elementary school teacher who has a side business making mittens from recycled wool, gave Sanders a pair as a gift and he wore them to President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Her fashionable look, also featuring a winter jacket made by Burton Snowboards, sparked countless memes caused by the photo taken by Agence France-Presse: the former presidential candidate could be found on social media in taking place in the subway, the moon and the sofa with the cast of “Friends”, among other creative places.
Sanders raised at least $ 1.8 million in merchandise for charities thanks to the Jan. 20 image of him sitting with his arms and legs crossed, dressed in his brown parka and recycled wool mittens. Sanders has posted so-called “Chairman Sanders” merchandise, including T-shirts, sweatshirts and stickers, on its campaign website.
Vermont Teddy Bear, who makes handmade bears for all occasions including a Bernie bear, reached out to Ellis to see if she would be interested in a partnership.
“Jen will be working hand in hand – mitten in hand – with each of our designers” to ensure that the ‘Bernie mitten’ design in multiple patterns is produced in a way that meets her quality standards, said Hayes McCarthy, vice president of product innovation, branding and consumer experience. “We are delighted to be in the mittens category.”
It is not known when the first mittens will be available for purchase. Those interested in a pair can leave an email on the company’s website.
In the past, Vermont Teddy Bear has made special bears to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Vermont, and recently donated office space to the organization for $ 1 per year, said James Hathaway, president and CEO. General of Make-A-Wish Vermont. Hathaway said the charity lost $ 250,000 in revenue during the pandemic.
“We are very grateful to Vermont Teddy Bear, Jen and of course Bernie for being so Bernie,” Hathaway said in a statement.
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