Sock Drive 2022
Last year in an effort to honor Justice’s birthday and highlight the struggles of those facing addiction, my family and myself collected donations in the form of clothing, hundreds of hygiene products and just under 2000 socks thanks to the help of friends, family and our community of Transcona. Justice was born in the month of October, an unpredictable month by Winnipeg weather standards and while my brother enjoyed sweater weather like anyone else, it was always a brutal reminder that winter was around the corner.
October also happens to be Socktober, a month-long community initiative where non-profit organizations, partnering businesses and individuals collect hundreds or thousands of pairs of new socks and hygiene products for those experiencing homelessness or on the verge of homelessness. Though it may seem unfathomable that people can’t afford to buy their own socks, for some it’s a daily choice between clothing or using their limited resources to eat. This is the case for even hard working low-income families struggling from the fallout of the pandemic and the rising costs of living.
Justice himself was a roamer and in the midst of his most difficult times he often found solace in walking around the neighborhood, -40 days being a clear exception of course. Thankfully though Justice had our home on Victoria Ave to lay his head in moments of rest from bitterly cold days. Unfortunately this is sometimes not the case for our friends who are houseless or on the verge of homelessness. As such, some people find themselves facing Winnipeg winters with no safe place to go, in addition to facing homelessness, the risk of homelessmess or mental health struggles.
From October 1st to the 31st, there will be a bin in front of our home, 516 Victoria Ave East, where new socks, clothing and hygiene products can be placed. Making a donation is the best way of reaching out a helping hand to those who need it. By providing even a small donation would go a long way to help people rebuild their lives and communities.
We thank you for your support and honoring our beloved Justice on his special day.