Los Angeles based Arnel Calvario, a pioneer in the hip-hop dance scene, is partnering with SF-based streetwear brand, Smash Life, to sell a custom-designed t-shirt and help drive charity donations to foundations that support and benefit the Autistic community.
Throughout the month of April, 50% of the proceeds will be donated to – Autistic Self Advocacy Network and Awesome Shock Dance Therapy Program serving Neurodivergent Children.
Smash Life will also be giving 10% of their proceeds to support Asian-American community through the GoFundMe Stop AAPI Hate Fund.
More details below!
More About The Charities
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Awesome Shock Dance Therapy Program serving Neurodivergent Children : This is an after-school dance therapy program offered to neurodivergent children (with diagnoses such as dyspraxia, dyslexia,attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, tourette syndrome) between the ages of 8-12 year old. The program is offered FREE of charge to all qualifying students through school contracts with 501(c)3 Nonprofit Dance Organization Culture Shock Los Angeles. www.CultureShockLA.org
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Autistic Self Advocacy Network : The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities. They work to empower autistic people across the world to take control of their own lives and the future of their common community and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure their voices are heard in the national conversation about them.
– Smash Life Founder Justin Lam On His Inspiration For The Partnership
Smash Life’s mission is to empower one another to be the best versions of ourselves. We as a company hope to partner with incredible people like Arnel to give back to communities that are helping others overcome obstacles in their life. When we spoke to Arnel on our Smash Life Spotlight, he shared his dream of building a dance therapy program for neurodivergent children, typically autistic children who get turned away from dance studios due their difference in learning. His dream and our mission were so aligned that we decided to put together a campaign to raise money for 2 foundations.