With cooler temperatures on the horizon, one Winnipeg organization is asking for a helping hand.
Main Street Project, a shelter that offers programming and services to help community members build stability, is hosting its 7th annual sock drive called Socktober.
"Essentially we collect donated new socks during October, hence the name Socktober," said Main Street Project Communications Manager, Cindy Titus. "The goal is to collect 30,000 pairs of new socks for the community we support here."
Titus says the socks go a long way in helping keep the feet of those experiencing homelessness, dry and warm.
"For the folks that we serve, accessing new socks is pretty challenging, and this is critical because people experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable to foot problems and cold and wet weather, which is upon us very soon," Titus explained. "They spend a lot of time outdoors walking, often without adequate footwear, including a good pair of socks. Clean dry socks make a huge difference in their overall health and well-being."
Cindy says there are many ways for people to get involved in this sock drive.
"You can gather your friends, family, and colleagues to collect new socks at your home, workplace or school. You can sign up with us to become a sock drop-off location in Winnipeg or outside of Winnipeg. You just need to send us an e-mail if you want to sign up for that," said Titus. "If you buy directly from the Amazon Wishlist on our website, your donation will be mailed right to us. It's a very easy way for folks to give if they can't make it down here or if they live outside of Winnipeg and want to support us.
Donations can also be dropped off at Main Street Project at 661 Main St. until the end of October.