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Our Community & Environmental Pledge
“For every $20.00 you spend with us,
we pledge $1.00 towards our Environmental and Community Impact Commitments.”
Shred the Stigma: Community Wellbeing Initiative
Shred the Stigma is a fundraiser dedicated to shredding the stigma around mental illness, social issues, and loneliness. Our focus is on creating a more inclusive and compassionate society by openly discussing and understanding these challenges.
At PULP SHRED, we believe, we need systemic changes and that requires an open conversation around the holistic nature of mental health.
If taking care of your physical self is considered great, why then, taking care of your mental health is frowned upon (or considered an embarrassment)?
Shred the Stigma is meant to be an engaging fundraising platform tackling the stigma around mental illness, social issues, and loneliness by creating a network of support and resources. Our aim is to create a sense of belonging and empowerment for individuals and communities affected by mental illness, social issues, and loneliness.
Our Vision
We envision a world where mental illness, social issues, and loneliness are openly discussed and understood, leading to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Our Mission
To Shred the Stigma around mental illness, social issues, and loneliness and create a more empathetic and supportive society.
Together, let’s shred the stigma around mental illness and build a more compassionate world.
Why Care? Mental Illnesses Are Increasingly Recognized As Disability, But Stigma Persists.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
— definition of health in the Constitution of the World Health Organization
Stigma affects how we see and treat people living with mental health and/or substance use (MHSU) problems or illnesses.
Stigma is a pervasive problem in Canada.
We live in stressful times and mental health often takes its toll. Openly discussing mental illness is still stigmatized, however.
Not many people are comfortable openly admitting their challenges with mental issues and that is what we need to strive to change.
What does a shredding company got to do with mental illness?
Ankur Mahajan, Founder & CEO, PULP SHRED
I got into shredding because of my passion for the environment, but my encounter with mental health made me understand that to fully care about the environment, we must do it in a way that deeply considers the overall well being of the community within that environment.
Entrepreneurship is lonely and very demanding. People may need help or someone to talk to. For a variety of reasons, they may not have access to, or perhaps, are reluctant to reach out for help.
My own struggles with depression, anxiety, neglect, and my journey made me realize that there may be others that are suffering silently. In my case, the fear of labeling, while leading my team and running the business were some of the major STOPS.
I am extremely lucky to have an amazing, supporting, and caring partner that saw the warning signs and got me the medical help and therapy needed. Sadly, many others may not be that lucky!
There I was, in our facility at PULP SHRED, observing the transformative process of shredding waste. A pile of paper or cardboard that was difficult to handle and seen as unwanted material, carefully cut into smaller thin curly bits that make them easier to handle, re-package, and re-purposed for greater courses.
This got me thinking, wouldn’t it be great, if we can shred the stigma around mental health challenges.
And thus, “Shred the Stigma” became the symbol that represents letting go of all the shame and negative perceptions surrounding mental health, openly discussing, and freely seeking help in the same way that we all do when faced with a physical ailment.
Through my own journey of self introspection and self realization, I found my calling.
Creating awareness, removing barriers, openly discussing, and normalizing mental health illness in an open and judgment free environment. And, I hope to utilize my company PULP SHRED’s name, reputation, and platform to bring this awareness.
This is my life’s purpose now!
I hope, with your continued love, support and encouragement, together we usher in a positive change in our outlook towards mental health.
Our Community Impact
We partner with local non-profits and charitable associations for volunteering and giving back.
We host/participate in Community Cleanups, host Community Shred Events to fund raise dollars for local charities and donate to local causes. We also host private corporate and charitable shred events.
Contact us for our special rates and promotions for charitable, non-profits, and religious institutions.
Be a value leader for our customers & in the local communities we serve.
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