The national campaign giving a sock about (and to) vulnerable Canberrans
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It’s time to give a sock about (and to) vulnerable Canberrans.
When it comes to winter donations, warm clothing basics can make all the difference to those doing it tough – but did you know that socks are some of the least donated items, despite preventing blisters, sores, foot infections, and diseases for those sleeping rough?
You might be wondering who would donate their old hosiery but as the highest-demand items amongst the homeless community in Australia, a pair of socks can literally change a life.
Back for another year with their July fundraising campaign ‘I Give A Sock’, this year Underworks is donating a staggering 30,000 clothing items to people in need. And with more people struggling to keep warm as temperatures drop to dangerously low levels and the cost of living on the rise, it’s needed now more than ever.
Providing clothing, including socks, underwear, and thermal underlayers as alarming figures show tens of thousands are experiencing homelessness each night, according to Underworks CEO Sam Todaro, the importance of warm clothing should not be overlooked (especially during the colder months).
“Cold temperatures can be life-threatening and those sleeping rough are particularly at risk of developing significant health issues,” he says.
“Warm clothes help to provide insulation and retain body heat, but they also help protect against harsh weather conditions. We know this from working with various charity partners and want to support those who need it most.”
Partnering with charities Foodbank Victoria, Thread Together, The Salvation Army and The Good Box to distribute essential clothing items, this year local organisation Foodbank NSW & ACT will receive donations as part of the campaign.
According to Foodbank NSW & ACT Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy, Janyne Hogan, campaigns like this are vitally important in supporting Foodbank NSW & ACT’s mission to fight hunger and support locals in need.
“In the past year alone, over 1.2 million households experienced food insecurity due to lack of funds,” she says.
“80 percent of these households did so for the first time. People are being forced to make agonising choices between paying bills over purchasing essentials like food and the personal care items they need.”
“With thanks to the I Give A Sock campaign, Foodbank NSW & ACT can assist individuals and families far beyond food relief. We can supply important personal care items, ensuring those in need feel seen, cared for, and supported this winter.”
Knowing many are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, this year Underworks isn’t asking for donations as part of the I Give A Sock campaign. Instead, they want people to become more aware of the need for essential clothing items and think of the 7,000 people sleeping rough in Australia who are at risk of illness and hypothermia.
Basics like socks and underwear are things most of us take for granted – it’s time to change that.
For more information visit underworks.com.au/i-give-a-sock
Images supplied.
