The Inauguration Day photograph of a mitten-clad, glamour-defying Bernie Sanders perhaps was not the most flattering image of the US senator, but it has become a remarkably charitable one. The lawmaker, 79, said on Wednesday he has raised $1.8 million for charity over the past five days through sales of merchandise featuring him wearing knit mittens and a parka at President Joe Biden’s swearing-in.

The image launched a thousand memes and made the earnest two-time presidential candidate even more of an internet star than he already was. “Jane and I were amazed by all the creativity shown by so many people over the last week, and we’re glad we can use my internet fame to help Vermonters in need,” Sanders said. His office said the groups receiving charitable funds include the Vermont operations of Meals on Wheels and the Vermont Parent Child Network.