The community came together in a big way, as they helped the first 2Day FM sock drive bring in 1,122 pairs of socks that were donated to Wapiti House and Saint Lawrence Centre in Grande Prairie. The organizations provide shelter and support for people in Grande Prairie experiencing homelessness.
Cheri Fox, Hybrid Outreach Team Lead at Wapiti House is thrilled at the result and she says socks serve more than one purpose for residents.
“It’s huge, and our residents are always looking for socks. Sometimes they use socks as mittens when we run out of those so it helps immensely,” she says.
Wapiti House has been very busy the last few months, most of the time at or near capacity. Fox is optimistic that the socks donated will last residents in their care the rest of the winter.
“I think it should get us through the winter and you guys have helped us a couple of times with socks now. It’s kept us going and kept them going,” she says.
Wapiti House is always looking for donations, but Fox says there are a few specific things to keep in mind if people would like to help out.
“We’re always looking for shampoos, soaps, toothbrushes, socks, mittens, hats. We go through those things pretty quickly. Socks are always one of our staples,” she says.
Fox is grateful to be a part of the Grande Prairie community and she says time and time again, the people continue to come through for them to help those in need.
“It’s very heartwarming. They’ve never let us down anytime there is a need. The community continues to come forward and help us,” she adds.