Bruce Grey, ON – As the cold weather sets in, many people in our community are struggling to stay warm, and socks remain one of the most urgently needed items. To help meet that need, United Way 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 and Grey, but the need keeps growing.

Parade Sock Collection Locations and Dates:

• Owen Sound (with Project Hope): Saturday, November 15
• Markdale (with SEGCHC): Friday, November 28
• Kincardine (with TBD): Saturday, November 29
• Port Elgin (with Southampton Rotary Club): Saturday, November 29
• Southampton (with Southampton Rotary Club): Friday, December 5
• Meaford (with Rotary Club of Meaford): Saturday, December 6

Collected socks are distributed through Outreach Markets, police services, and paramedics to reach people facing homelessness or crisis 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, Fundraising Champion for United Way 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 Bruce Grey staff and volunteers will walk beside parade floats, collecting donations directly from the crowd. If you miss them at the parades, sock donations can also be dropped off at 380 9th Street East, Owen Sound.

Let’s come together to make sure everyone in our community stays warm this winter.

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