Bernie Sanders, the beloved and well-known former Vermont senator, has a large following of supporters who admire his political views and his quirky personality. Recently, the internet has been buzzing with a new meme featuring Bernie Sanders wearing mittens and a practical winter sportswear manufacturer during the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. The image of the senator, sitting with his legs and arms crossed, has spawned countless hilarious captions and inspired merchandise.

The meme even caught the attention of Bernie Sanders himself, who decided to use the image for fundraising. But did Bernie Sanders sell sweatshirts of his meme? Here's what we know about the merchandise and how it's being used to raise money for charity.

1. Bernie Sanders' Meme Merchandise

As soon as the meme of Bernie Sanders at the Presidential Inauguration went viral, people started creating products to sell featuring his likeness. T-shirts, mugs, and even face masks were produced with the image of Sanders wearing his now-famous mittens.

One of the most popular items for sale has been a sweatshirt featuring a blown-up image of the meme. The sweatshirt depicts Bernie Sanders sitting on a brown lawn chair, surrounded by colorful blankets and scarves, with his arms crossed and his face looking tired but content.

Some sellers are using the image without permission, causing controversy about the ethics of profiting from the senator's image. However, Bernie Sanders and his team have embraced the meme and decided to use it for a good cause.

2. Bernie Sanders' Use of the Meme for Fundraising

Bernie Sanders' team launched an online store that sells merchandise featuring the meme of the senator. The merchandise includes a sweatshirt, t-shirt, and hoodie, all with the same image of Sanders sitting on the brown lawn chair.

The items are available for purchase on Bernie Sanders' website, and all of the profits go towards important causes. Sanders' website explains that '100% of the proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels programs in Vermont, which provide meals to seniors who need them.'

3. The Importance of Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a program that provides meals to seniors who are unable to leave their homes or cook for themselves. The program operates in almost every community in the United States, and it serves over 2.4 million seniors annually.

Meals on Wheels is more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, as seniors are at higher risk for complications from the virus and may be struggling to access food or supplies. The program relies on donations and volunteer efforts to help them provide meals to as many seniors as possible.

4. The Success of Bernie Sanders' Fundraiser

Bernie Sanders' recent fundraiser through his online store has been a huge success. The sweatshirt featuring the meme of the senator has been particularly popular, selling out within hours of its release on the website.

Sanders' team announced on Twitter that the sweatshirt raised over $1.8 million for Meals on Wheels Vermont. The image of Sanders' meme became a symbol of hope and solidarity during a challenging time, and the popularity of the merchandise shows the power of the senator's following.

5. The Reinvention of Bernie Sanders' Image

The popularity of Bernie Sanders' meme and the merchandise that followed have shed new light on the former Vermont senator. In the past, Sanders has been criticized for his lack of fashion sense and his stubbornness in sticking to his political beliefs.

However, with the meme, Sanders' image has been reinvented in a way that emphasizes his practicality and his relatability. His mittens, which are made from recycled materials by a Vermont school teacher, show his commitment to environmentalism, and his practical winter jacket shows his humility and practicality.

The success of the merchandise and the fundraiser show that Bernie Sanders' message continues to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds. His image may have been transformed by a simple meme, but his impact on political discourse is undeniable.