​United Way collecting warm socks at local Santa Claus Parades

As the cold weather sets in, many people in the community are struggling to stay warm, and socks remain one of the most urgently-needed items. To help meet that need, United Way of Bruce Grey is launching its annual Warm Sock Collection during Santa Claus Parades across the region. Parade-goers are encouraged to bring new, warm socks to donate and help keep local neighbours comfortable this winter.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of past donors, more than 5,000 pairs of socks have already been distributed throughout Bruce-Grey, but the need continues to grow. Through its outreach programs, the United Way is now giving out about 100 pairs every week to help keep people warm, dry, and cared for during the toughest months of the year.

Parade Sock Collection locations and dates:
 

• Kincardine (with TBD): Saturday, Nov. 29
• Port Elgin (with Southampton Rotary Club): Saturday, Nov. 29
• Southampton (with Southampton Rotary Club): Friday, Dec. 5
• Meaford (with Rotary Club of Meaford): Saturday, Dec. 6

Collected socks are distributed through Outreach Markets, police services, and paramedics to reach people facing homelessness or hardship during the coldest months.

“A warm pair of socks might not seem like much, but to someone out in the cold, it’s huge,” said Kristy Andre, fund-raising champion at the United Way of Bruce Grey. “It’s comfort, it’s kindness, and it’s a reminder that someone cares. That’s what this drive is all about.”

United Way staff, partners, and volunteers will be out in full festive spirit this season, either walking with community partners or with its own float in local parades. Along the way, they will be collecting sock donations directly from the crowd. If you miss them at the parades, you can still drop off donations at 380 - 9th Street East, Owen Sound.

For more information about the sock drive or other ways to support United Way of Bruce Grey, contact fundraiser@unitedwaybg.com or visit unitedwayofbrucegrey.com/.



Volunteers collect warm socks during the Santa Claus Parades in 2024