Vancouver, BC — Aug 3rd, 2025 — In a time of political tension, cultural division, and rising bullying online and off, a proudly Canadian movement is answering with kindness, satire — and a wristband.
Bracelets UP is a grassroots campaign turning friendship into action. Blending national pride with anti-bullying fundraising, this movement invites Canadians (and even their friends across the border) to raise a glass — and a wrist — for unity this summer.
Breakaway, Niagara Falls, Poutine, Sasquatchewan, RCM-PC, and Chinook - aka the stars of Atomic Cartoons new animated series Super Team Canada (now streaming on Crave), have also jumped on board, lending their super support to this super campaign.
“The Super Team Canada characters may be the last heroes anyone calls, but they’re the first to throw on a bracelet if it means backing a good cause. They're awkward, deeply Canadian, and absolutely on board with turning small gestures into super-powered connections,” says Rob Cohen, co-creator of Super Team Canada and longtime comedy writer on shows including The Simpsons. “This isn’t just about bracelets, it’s about showing the world that standing up for each other can be just as epic as saving it.”
At the heart of the campaign is a simple but powerful symbol: a Maple Red & White friendship bracelet — or for the brave or those with short-term memory loss, the Canada/USA “stack”, designed to be worn or gifted to someone across the border in the spirit of our history as the original friends with benefits. Bracelets retail for $10, with partial proceeds supporting anti-bullying causes including the CKNW Kids’ Fund Pink Shirt Day campaign.
“We’re proud to be Bracelets UP’s first non-profit partner,” says Sara Dubois-Phillips, Executive Director of the CKNW Kids’ Fund. “Their message of inclusion, unity, empathy and youthful spirit aligns perfectly with Pink Shirt Day’s mission to stand up to bullying.”
The campaign is led by Vancouver creators including actor, digital creator and host Katriina Cotten, known for her takes on fashion and her work on causes, including Black History Month. “We’re the sarcastic peacemakers of the North,” says Cotten. “This isn’t about politicians. It’s about people. And this summer, we’re raising a wrist — not a wall.”
Co-founder Bret Conkin, a funding and social impact strategist, calls it “Canada’s wearable counter-programming to global conflict.”
“We don’t need more enemies. We need more friends, more toasts — and yeah, maybe more poutine,” says Conkin. “Our first drop bracelet supports anti-bullying programs and reminds us that friendship is a strength.”
Bracelets UP officially kicks off with a live Canada Day activation - at the Shipyards, North Vancouver - continuing through July 4 (U.S. Independence Day) and August 3 (Friendship Day), with skits, reels, and live pop-ups promoting the core call: Elbows Down. Bracelets UP.
Supporters are encouraged to “toast your neighbour” on social media — even if that neighbour lives across the border. Just raise a glass, wear your bracelet, and tag your video or photo with:
👉 Learn more or shop now at www.braceletsup.org
Media Contact:
Bret Conkin
Co-Founder, Bracelets UP
📧 bret@braceletsup.org | 📞 778-323-7297
