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Niagara Falls
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Socks for Change back at Virgil Avondale

Despite COVID restrictions and a provincial lockdown, collections for Socks for Change at the Virgil Avondale store are more than halfway to last year’s fundraising total.

Enough money has been raised in the first month of fundraising to supply 400 pairs of wool socks.

For a $2 donation, people can purchase a pair of socks that will be given to a community member in need. Donations are being accepted until March 31.

“I figure doing 400 in lockdown was pretty good,” store manager Kathy Brown said. “I’m hoping to sell more this year.”

This is the second year the Niagara-on-the-Lake store has hosted Socks for Change and last year the location raised enough for 650 pairs of socks.

Socks for Change is a non-profit organization that uses donations to source and produce Canadian-made socks, hats, neck warmers and gloves.

“Everyone who gives a toonie for a card and puts their family’s name on it, that instantly turns into a wool sock,” said Sam Baio, founder of Socks for Change.

“There is such a need here (in Niagara) and people don’t realize,” he said.

This year, Brown said money raised in town will stay local and be distributed to schools, charities and migrant workers.

Fundraising at Avondale during COVID just makes sense to Brown because of the high traffic the store receives.

After working at the Virgil location for five years and she said residents are always happy to help others.

“This community is really awesome,” she said. “I’m amazed, really, at the amount of support. Anything I asked for, they come through for.”

Brown also runs an annual food drive at the store and is currently selling NOTL 4 All T-shirts in support of Red Roof Retreat.

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