Shawn Mendes launches new foundation to encourage his young fans to promote positive change

Canadian pop star Shawn Mendes is hoping to empower his young fan base with the announcement of his latest project, the Shawn Mendes Foundation. 

The Foundation will support multiple youth-related causes, which include "realms of children's healthcare, sustainability, mental health, wellness, human rights, anti-bullying, education and more," according to a press release.

Mendes has spoken out about his battles with anxiety in his Grammy-nominated song, "In My Blood," as well as the effects of violent events on his generation on the Khalid collaboration, "Youth." 

"For a long time, I've wanted to find a way to amplify the causes that my fans and I care deeply about, and to help make the voices of our generation heard," Mendes said in a press release. "My goal in launching the Foundation is to work alongside my fans, and do everything I can to help provide them with a platform that inspires positive change, and empowers young change-makers."

The Shawn Mendes Foundation has already raised over $1 million US through donations and partnerships. Its first two campaigns will be with the Toronto-based organization SickKids and Reverb, a non-profit which will help fans and artists alike focus on reducing their environmental footprint.

For fans attending his upcoming hometown show at the Rogers Centre on Sept. 6, one dollar from each ticket sold, in addition to a portion of the proceeds from Mendes' Canadian brand campaigns with Tim Hortons and Roots, will go to the Foundation at the SickKids Charitable Giving Fun. 

The Foundation will also work with Mendes' previous charitable partners, Pencils of Promise, WE Day, March For Our Lives, DoSomething.org, the American Red Cross and more. Fans can go onto the Foundation's website to suggest and help determine future campaigns and issues to focus on.