Cool Aid aims to raise $10,000 to buy 10,000 pairs of socks

With fall setting in and rough weather ahead, the Cool Aid Society’s annual sock collection is underway to help those in need.

“A good pair of warm and dry socks is so important, especially at this time of year,” says volunteer Michael Bloomfield of Congregation Emanu-El, adding he began the campaign 13 years “because it seemed like a simple, practical way we could help people living in extreme poverty.

“And it works.”

His community contributions earned Bloomfield a National Philanthropy Day Award in 2019, where he told the crowd that you it’s not necessary to be rich to be a philanthropist: “You just need to care.”

Over the years, the campaign has collected 112,500 pairs of socks worth $562,000.

The socks are distributed to 25 organizations around the region, with some also going to Salt Spring Island, Duncan and Nanaimo.

PVH Legwear, which purchased McGregor Socks this year, wanted to help keep the collection going “when we learned of this amazing, long-lived and co-operative partnership,” said the company’s Peter Roxborough.

PVH gives socks to the effort at a significantly discounted price, while shipping is provided by La-Z-Boy.

The goal of this year’s campaign is to raise $10,000 for 10,000 pairs of socks. Donate at coolaid.org/socks or call 250-383-1977.

>>> At Garth Homer, front-line hero honoured

Oliver Korsch was one of the front-line heroes recognized during Disability Awareness Month in September.

Korsch, who works at Thrifty Foods Broadmead, took part in the Garth Homer Society’s Employment Services Program for people with developmental disabilities.

“Without grocery customer-service people, a lot of people wouldn’t get the help they need,” Korsch said. “It’s nice to know — when your day is done and you’re going home — that you’ve helped someone out.

“You kinda do feel like a hero sometimes, I guess.”

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, close to 70 Garth Homer clients were working in the community.

A job can be life-changing for them, said Rebecca McKee, Garth Homer’s supervisor of employment services.

“A job provides purpose,” she said. “A job provides support and a sense of belonging that builds confidence and a life.

“Employment is also one of the most powerful tools that helps us deliver our mission to help people find a life, a home and a place in the world.”

Garth Homer workers do well on the job, said Geoffrey Ewert, director of learning and employment services for the organization.

“Participants become some of the most productive, dedicated, passionate employees on the team,” Ewert said. “There are also bottom-line benefits with less sick time, higher productivity and job loyalty that translates into less turnover.”

>>> Victoria councillor named a top immigrant

Victoria Coun. Sharmarke Dubow has been named one of the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winners for 2020.

The awards are billed as “a symbol for diversity, resilience and the importance of coming together as Canadians,” and for 12 years have been recognizing the achievements of Canada’s immigrants.

Dubow was honoured for supporting such initiatives as free transit, a renters’-advisory committee, affordable housing and reconciliation. Elected in 2018, he is a former Somali refugee and became the first Black councillor in the city in 152 years.

He was eight when he fled Somalia with his sister in 1992 during the country’s civil war.

Over 300 newcomers have been honoured over the awards’ history.

“What an amazing year for the awards,” said Sanjay Agnihotri, director of Canadian Immigrant magazine.

“We’ve had a record number of votes cast totalling more than 72,000, which is a true testament to the important contributions immigrants make to this great nation of ours, and the need for all of us to celebrate positive stories in these challenging times.