The campaign calls on men to embrace vulnerability and find courage – the courage not to be silent about their problems.
In early November, veteran Anton Nootenboom, known as “The Barefoot Dutchman,” made history in the iconic Times Square when he successfully completed a unique world record: walking across America barefoot, from Los Angeles to New York, in support of men’s mental health.
Anton’s journey, which began on February 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, took him through deserts, mountains and urban jungles – all barefoot. Anton completed his walk in New York on November 2, 2024, the Slovak brand Barebarics, which organized the campaign, boasted of his walking record.
The campaign manager is Martina Zvolenská, a talented and successful Slovak. After studying abroad, she decided to return to Slovakia and contribute to its development and integration into international standards.
Not just a new Guinness record
After 260 days and more than 5,000 kilometers, the record holder walked all the way to Times Square, where the final part of the record march took place. Supported by the #BraveMenTalk initiative, of which Barebarics is the main organizer, Anton’s journey brought not only a new Guinness record, but also a significant increase in awareness of the importance of men’s mental health and the fight against the alarming fact that every minute one man takes his own life. The campaign calls on men to embrace vulnerability and find courage – the courage not to be silent about their problems.
The #BraveMenTalk initiative, created by Barebarics in collaboration with Anton, motivates men around the world not to be afraid to talk about their problems and vulnerabilities. Every 25 euros from the collected contributions will support a man in a suicide prevention program.
The money raised went to the Movember Foundation and other non-profit organizations focused on men’s mental health.
