The Originals Star Daniel Gillies Designs Special Edition Tee for RAINN

From the moment acclaimed actor, writer, and producer Daniel Gillies heard about RAINN, he knew he wanted to be involved. Gillies reached out to RAINN in the summer of 2016 about building a fundraising campaign that would raise critical support for the National Sexual Assault Hotline and bring awareness to the issue of sexual violence.

“A quiet war is happening all around us,” explains Gillies. “A desperate, lonely, and sometimes fatal war—often fought by individuals who feel they have to remain silent. Sexual violence demands our compassion, our patience, and our unrelenting support. RAINN not only comforts and strengthens those they serve, but they deliver awareness to those legions of survivors whose horrors remain unspoken. It’s an honor to contribute to the soldiers of this organization.”

 

 

Television actor Daniel Gillies portrait. He is wearing a special edition RAINN t-shirt. The t-shirt features Daniel's face and the words "No one stands alone in the RAINN." He holds up a peace sign to the camera.

 

Gillies helped design a tee to be sold and distributed through Represent. The design features a profile of Daniel Gillies, against the backdrop of a sky, with the words "No one stands alone in the RAINN. It is available for $24.99 and ships worldwide. From August 3 through August 17 at 12 a.m. PT, $16 from every tee sold will be donated directly to RAINN. 

Gillies has a record of starting successful philanthropy campaigns: last year, he partnered with Represent and Action Against Hunger to raise more than $44,000 to fight world hunger. “We are so honored that Daniel reached out to support RAINN,” said Chelsea Bowers, director of development for RAINN. “The money raised during the campaign will help support critical services, like the 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline.”

The National Sexual Assault Hotline began in 1994 and has since helped more than 2.5 million people. The service is available over the phone (800.656.HOPE) and online (online.rainn.org y en español rainn.org/es). The trained support specialists who answer calls and chats work 365 days a year to ensure that survivors and loved ones have a safe place to talk when they need it. “For many, contacting the National Sexual Assault Hotline is the first time they’ve told anyone what has happened,” said Bowers. “It’s an important service, and one that benefits from fundraising efforts like Gillies’.”

Gillies is an acclaimed actor, writer, and producer. He currently stars as Elija Mikaelson in the American supernatural drama series The Originals (found on The CW). You can catch up with Gillies on Instagram (mr.danielgillies) and Twitter (@danieljgillies).