For the 18th consecutive year, the Victoria Cool Aid Society, in partnership with KIA, La-Z-Boy and Perri's Socks, will be trying to raise $10,000 to buy 10,000 pairs of socks for those experiencing poverty and homelessness in Greater Victoria.
“More people than ever are living outdoors and often they never go inside. And the majority of those people are wearing old shoes that are not at all warm or waterproof," said Kellie Guarasci, clinical nurse lead for Cool Aid, in a news release.
Since it started, the campaign has distributed 142,520 pairs of socks worth close to $600,000 to thousands of people. Cool Aid purchases the socks at a discount from Perri’s Socks, and La-Z-Boy Victoria donates the shipping. In 2020, Kia Victoria joined the effort with a $5,000 matching donation.
“We see lots of things when it comes to foot health,” noted Guarasci in the release. “Everything from needing help with basic maintenance, to sores and lesions that can become infected and even lead to amputation if not caught in time.”
This year’s campaign will run until Nov. 30. Donations can be made to the campaign at coolaid.org, by calling 250-383-1977, or at Kia Victoria.
