A good pair of thick socks can’t be underestimated in Saskatchewan’s harsh winters, but many homeless people in Prince Albert survive without.
Christopher Lake Grade 5 and 6 students donated 397 pairs of socks to Our House this morning, Nov. 1. Manager Edna Bruce said it warmed her heart to see the community rally behind shelter.
“There’s a lot of people who think ‘oh, I’m not helping them, they need a kick in the pants, they should go out and do stuff.’ But if they only realized the needs and issues of the people, I think they’d be much more forthcoming with their help,” she said.
Bruce said the socks will predominantly go to those who use the cold weather program, who need them the most.
“A lot of times they’ll come with two or three thin pairs of socks with holes in different places, and to get a couple of pairs of nice warm (socks) will be all the difference for them,” she said.
Receiving nearly 400 socks was far beyond what Bruce hoped.
The Christopher Lake students aimed to raise 273 pairs, the number of homeless in P.A. last year. The idea to donate socks came from a viral video called ‘Socktober’ on YouTube which was shown to the class.
Grade 6 student Alexis Anne-Puetz said she hopes others will be inspired to donate after seeing what the small Christopher Lake community accomplished.
“I think it’s great to see people happy, and I think to reach that level is an amazing thing,” she said. “Getting to see people smile, I think that’s what’s most important for donating.”
Our House is now stocked for socks, coats, toques and scarves, though Bruce said they are still in “desperate” need of mitts and underwear.
Story Credit: PANow – Spencer Sterritt