Editor's note: this story was previously posted on StratfordToday.ca.
The Stratford Lions Club is giving back to those in need during the colder months with their annual sock drive.
“We started off with a sock drive, but that morphed into a sock and blanket drive,” said long-time club member Tracey Robinson. “Blankets for Canada has donated the last three years, and this year we learned that they plan to donate 130 handmade blankets so we are sticking to just a sock drive.”
Seven different locations including the Connection Centre, Shelterlink, Optimism Place, House of Blessing, St. James Church, Emily Murphy and the Salvation Army will be receiving socks and blankets thanks to the Lions and community support.
“The number of socks raised has gone up each year,” said Robinson. “Last year we collected 491 pairs of socks, everything from mens, ladies and children's socks, and a large amount of donations which we use to purchase more socks.”
New this year is a partnership with a local person who runs her own marketplace on Facebook.
“A lady named Nicole Adams, who runs Cole Mart on Facebook wanted to help,” said Robinson. “So if you go to her Facebook market and buy a pair of socks for $5, she will donate a pack to us. She has gotten Dave’s Dinner in Sebringville involved as well along with L&L Diehl garage also in Sebringville. I think she has probably donated 50 pairs of socks so far."
Community is everything to the Stratford Lions Club, which is why they do a fundraiser like this each year.
“We like to give back to our community,” said Robinson. “The club does this sock drive, but we also give back to the community on a more personal level. We have requests from people who cannot afford things like glasses, hearing aids, or just simply need some help with the extras. The club has budgeted $500 per month to help organizations fill the gap when it comes to food donations.
You can donate to the Stratford Lion’s sock drive by heading to the Stratford Mall on Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m to purchase socks, or contact Tracey directly at 519-272-6201 or email [email protected].
