The Lloydminster community has stepped up again, this time giving over 1500 pairs of socks as the Lloydminster Lions staged it’s annual sock drive.
With the cold weather, beneficiaries this year include the Interval Home and the Lloydminster Youth Centre, as well as the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre.
Bonnie Start, Executive Director says they are grateful to the Lloydminster Lions for having them as one of the recipients of socks to keep their clients warm. She says they have seen an uptick in people in need of their services.
“We’ve really noticed an increase in traffic. People that we have never seen come in to the centre, that are now accessing our services.”
She says people at risk are coming in and its connected to the economic situation.
“I think a lot of it is socio-economic; [lack of] jobs. Just the whole crisis situation. Not being able to find low-income housing, is an issue. Just a lot of challenges with the pandemic going on.”
Start says the socks will be added to grocery hampers and gifts to seniors.
Other recipients of the sock drive include the Salvation Army, and the Men’s Shelter.
J.C. Dauphinais who headed up the sock drive for the Lions is appreciative to the Border City community for their efforts.
“There’s actually a bigger variety this year than last year which is good. I think a lot of it has to do with people knowing that, people have cold feet at this time of year. And just knowing that you are getting a fresh pair of socks makes a big difference.”
He thanked St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, Synergy Credit Union staff and members, Northern Factory Workwear and numerous supporters who were on board for the sock drive, which almost doubled last year’s tally.
