United Way of Bruce Grey Santa Claus Volunteers (Photo provided by United Way of Bruce Grey)
The United Way of Bruce Grey is collecting socks for people in need across the region during this year’s Santa Claus parades.
Fundraising Champion Kristy Andre says the organization will once again be collecting socks during the parades in Owen Sound on Nov. 16, Markdale on Nov. 29, Kincardine on Nov. 30, Port Elgin on Nov. 30, Southampton on Dec. 6, and Meaford on Dec. 7.
“We are going to be in the parade and just thought if people are bringing donations down for the Salvation Army anyway and they are going out shopping, socks are something that are really requested from the community,” says Andre.
The organization was able to collect 648 pairs of socks during the parades last year and were distributed to police, paramedic and homeless outreach initiatives throughout the region.
“As it gets colder, we really consider our unhoused people and we really want to make them feel safe and comfortable in a pair of socks, it’s a simple yet meaningful way to do that,” says Andre.
She says the United Way float will be towards the end of the parade when Santa Claus will make his appearance.
Additionally the United Way has a couple Stuff the Ambulance fundraisers planned in support of the SOS program coming up at Heritage Place in Owen Sound on Nov. 23 and at Giant Tiger on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We are looking for items that are non-perishable food items and some socks of course and sleeping bags, tarps and things like that, as well as personal hygiene products. We are super excited for this because this is the first time we are going to have this event at Heritage Place,” says Andre.