Converse x Ben Raemers Foundation

In May 2019, at the age of 28, professional skateboarder Ben Raemers took his own life. The devastation and loss of such a wonderfully contagious human being has spread all over the world. Seeing the sadness left behind and the community’s desire to support an ongoing project, the Ben Raemers Foundation was formed. In 2019, the global skateboarding community felt the urge to shed light on mental health awareness following the death of Ben Raemers. Ben’s close friends and family joined forces soon after to launch “thebenraemersfoundation”.

That collective sense of loss has also motivated Converse to partner with the Ben Raemers Foundation to both maintain Raemers’ legacy and provide resources for mental health support through skateboarding, to eliminate mental health stigma, Converse is donating $ 25000 to the foundation.

Ben Raemers Forever

I know, I’m a simple Fashion Editor and my job is to write articles but I think I’ve never felt such a strange feeling doing it, in a way maybe I feel involved. In all countries, suicide is currently among the top three causes of death in the 15-34 age group, in fact, although it affects all age groups, it is still a phenomenon that affects young people most. It is therefore a phenomenon that cannot be ignored, and there is a need to break that deleterious silence that develops around this theme.

How important is happiness? Is it the strength of a smile?

I would like to invite all of you who are reading and watch this video that I have subconsciously seen during my research with the hope of helping you to ask for help if you need it.

Ben Raemers Forever from Richard Quintero on Vimeo.

As the second anniversary of his passing approaches, Converse is also releasing a limited edition sneaker with Ben’s favorite silhouette: the blue One Star Pro Mid. With details inspired by him and his life.