Since day one, we've felt strongly about giving back. After more than 20 years of working in hospitality, we know the grind of the long hours and fast pace that hospitality professionals deal with every day, and just how easy it can be to fall into unhealthy habits rampant across an industry that historically has offered minimal support or compassion to those who need it most.
In 2020, after dealing with family and personal setbacks of his own, our founder, Nick, found himself in counselling for the first time, an opportunity provided only because benefits were available and paid for by an employer at the time -- an opportunity that many in hospitality quite simply don't have the means to access.
With every Bark & Bitter purchase, we donate a portion of proceeds towards organizations focused on developing mental health and addictions initiatives for the hospitality industry, such as Not 9 to 5 based in Toronto, Ontario, with the goal of extending access to these resources to more hospitality professionals every day.
Not 9 to 5 is a non-profit global leader in mental health training and advocacy for the foodservice and hospitality sector. We do this by empowering industry professionals with practical education and tools to create meaningful community change.
Not 9 to 5 is a non-profit global leader in mental health advocacy and training for the hospitality and culinary industry. Through practical education and courses like the CNECTed certification course, Not 9 to 5 is breaking stigmas and fuelling hope.
Their vision is physical and psychological safety for everyone. Founded by Hassel Aviles in 2018 after decades of struggling with her own experiences with anxiety, depression, trauma and grief, Hassel was inspired to empower foodservice service workers like herself, advocating to normalize mental health education and training, workplace accommodations, healthcare benefits, support and resources for all industry professionals.
Today, as Not 9 to 5’s Executive Director, this industry vanguard has made it her mission to provide mental health and substance use support by mobilizing educational resources and advocating for psychological safety.
Learn More Here
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