They may seem small, but during the winter months, a warm pair of socks can make a big difference for those receiving them through the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
Agilec Integrated Employment Services in Fergus, The Grand at 101, and Shift Family Health Centre hosted the Eighth Annual Sock Drive fundraiser in an effort to offer warmth, comfort, and a sense of care for those in need within the Centre Wellington community.
The sock drive resulted in the collection of 1,013 pairs of socks.
“We have been doing this for a number of years. We are very lucky to have partnered up with the Grand 101 and Shift Family Health Centre,” said Agilec program manager, Krystyna Wasylnchuk.
“It was so nice as it was more of a collaborative effort and then we dropped off donations to the Centre Wellington Food Bank. We would like to say a huge thank you to the Wellington community.”
Agilec, an employment service provider in Fergus and surrounding communities, is dedicated to bridging the gap between job seekers and employers through government-funded employment programs and training services.
The organization aims to create thriving, sustainable communities and to empower with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to succeed.
Last year, the sock drive collected over 1,100 pairs of socks.
As costs continue to rise, more families and households are struggling, both financially and emotionally. And food banks across the province are seeing the impacts.
Wasylnchuk said it doesn't matter what kind of socks, whether athletic, dressy, or warm winter woollies, each donation make a difference every year.
“The times are a little difficult, so the fact that people could make some kind of donation has been wonderful,” Wasylnchuk said.
“We have a lot of generous folks who have donated socks to those in need. It speaks volumes for the kind of people we have in our community who are caring and willing to give back.”
