Main Street Project asks Manitobans to spare a pair of socks as temperatures drop

A Winnipeg organization that works with vulnerable people is asking Manitobans to spare a pair of socks as the temperatures start to dip.

Main Street Project aims to collect 30,000 pairs of new socks for its seventh annual fundraising campaign called "Socktober."

Cindy Titus, Main Street Project's communications manager, says socks are a necessity sometimes taken for granted.

"We always have socks readily available, and if we need new ones, it's easy for us to grab a pair," she told guest host Faith Fundal during a Monday interview with CBC Manitoba's Information Radio.

"But for the folks that we serve, access to new socks is really challenging. People experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable to foot problems in cold weather and wet weather.Clean, dry socks make a huge difference in their overall health and well-being."

Information Radio - MB5:12Can you spare a pair to help folks in need?

With the weather getting colder, a warm pair of socks can help folks experiencing homelessness get through those chilly days and nights. Guest host Faith Fundal speaks with Main Street Project's Cindy Titus about the organization's annual Socktober clothing drive.

Titus says last year was one of the drive's biggest years to date, with 60,000 pairs of socks donated.

"We're so lucky that Winnipeg, and Manitoba as a whole, is very supportive of the work that we do," Titus said.

She says for the first time, Main Street Project is seeking new socks only, and preferably ones made of moisture-wicking fabric that can dry easily, such as merino wool.

There are other ways to support the fundraiser, Titus said, includingmonetary donations and Main Street Project's Amazon wishlist. As well, she added, people can start their own sock drives at their schools and workplaces, hang a poster promoting the campaign or sign up to be a local sock drop-off point in Winnipeg,

Main Street Project is also looking for other clothing to get people through the winter, including tuques, scarves, jackets, long underwear and sweatpants, she said, and they're always looking for hygiene items and monetary donations.

A complete list of ways to donate and sock drop-off points throughout the province is available on Main Street Project's website.