Squamish Helping Hands is inviting the community to participate in “Socktober,” a month-long donation drive aimed at collecting 1,000 pairs of new socks for people experiencing homelessness, the organization said in a news release.
In September, staff at Squamish Helping Hands were forced to turn away 42 individuals seeking temporary shelter at its Under One Roof facility. The shelter operates every day of the year, but both its emergency and transitional housing programs are full, with long waitlists, the organization said. Cold and rainy weather is expected to increase demand in the coming months.
“The goal of Socktober is to connect people with their local shelters,” said Lori Pyne, executive director of Squamish Helping Hands. “We provide housing and wraparound services in a safe and supportive environment. Currently, our residents range from 30 to 85 years of age, and 95 per cent have lived in Squamish for five years or more.”
Socktober founder Brad Montague described the drive as a simple way for residents to make a meaningful impact. “It’s a starting place. People will often find socks are exactly what’s needed right now, and they may discover other ways to help neighbours in need, from hygiene products to volunteer time,” he said.
Community members can drop off new socks at schools across Squamish or at municipal hall throughout October. Donations also can be made online at squamishhelpinghands.ca/ways-to-give. Every pair donated goes directly to someone facing homelessness in Squamish.
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