New Socks, Big Impact: Squamish Community Invited to Rally for ‘Socktober’ as Winter Approaches

As the temperature drops, the demand for emergency services, shelter and housing in our community grows. While there are many factors that lead to homelessness, Squamish’s perpetually low vacancy rates for rental and affordable housing have amplified the need.

In September alone, staff at Squamish Helping Hands were forced to turn away 42 individuals looking for temporary shelter. Its emergency shelter at Under One Roof is open every day of the year. But it’s already full. The transitional housing in the same building has a long waitlist. Rainy weather and sub-zero temperatures will inevitably send more people to their door.

While Squamish Helping Hands takes donations all year long, special calls go out when seasons change, during holiday seasons or in times of deep need. Receiving even the most basic necessities can help in difficult times.

That’s why, on October 1, staff at Squamish Helping Hands are working with area schools and community partners to launch Socktober: a month-long charity drive to collect 1,000 pairs of new socks to give to those in need.

Why Socks? New socks aren’t just comfort—they’re protection. For people sheltering outside, clean, dry socks prevent dangerous infections and serious foot health problems.

For community members, Socktober is a chance to make a small gift that makes a big difference. Socktober founder Brad Montague envisions sock donations as a first step for caring community members.

Drop off new socks at schools across Squamish and municipal hall throughout October or visit squamishhelpinghands.ca/ways-to-give to learn about other ways to support your neighbours in need. Every pair donated goes directly to someone facing homelessness in Squamish.

A community that is safe and healthy for everyone is the vision that drives Squamish Helping Hands. To inspire hope and independence, it offers food, shelter, outreach and programs that promote health and wellbeing. Asking community members to donate new socks is a small gesture that can go a long way.