Harry Styles' tote bag moment raises $40K for charity, funding 1,300 therapy sessions

A single photo of pop star Harry Styles walking through London with a canvas tote bag has helped raise $40,000 for a small mental health initiative. The money has paid for more than 1,300 therapy sessions for people who cannot afford treatment. The bag belonged to the Other People Fund, an independent project started by Elena Kilgore.

What began as a small personal idea quickly grew into a major charity effort after the singer was seen carrying it.From a break-up line to a mental health missionThe idea started with a personal experience when Kilgore was 23. After a relationship ended and both people agreed to "see other people", Kilgore decided to seek therapy. However, she soon learned how expensive private treatment could be.

This made her realise that cost was a major barrier for many people who needed mental health support. According to People, therapy sessions in the United States usually cost between $100 and $200.