For people living outdoors, something as routine as changing into a clean pair of socks can be difficult when there is nowhere to wash clothes, dry belongings or store a spare pair. As chillier, wetter weather arrives on Vancouver Island, Cool Aid and Kia Victoria are renewing an annual campaign to distribute 10,000 pairs of socks to people experiencing homelessness, with a focus on an everyday item that can be difficult to access without a stable place to live. The Socks for Survival campaign has distributed more than 180,000 pairs over the past 20 years, with a total value of more than $672,000. This year, Kia Victoria is matching donations up to $5,000, while Perri’s Socks is providing the socks at a substantial mark-down to help the campaign reach its goal. Rebecca Young, a Cool Aid community health outreach nurse, says clean clothes are often something people take for granted. “Most people don’t think about the fact that many folks go days or weeks without access to basic hygiene needs like washrooms or laundry facilities,” Young said in the campaign’s news release. “And after completing extensive wound care, for instance, asking someone to put wet, dirty socks back on is just not acceptable.” The campaign is also an opportunity for Kia Victoria to help connect the broader community with people who need support. Bethan Ostermann of Kia Victoria said the initiative highlights how small contributions can make a meaningful difference. “I love that this campaign reminds us how much the little things matter,” Ostermann said in the news release. “Everyone deserves the comfort and dignity of clean, dry socks, especially during our cold, wet Island winters. It’s such a simple way to look after people in our community, and when we all contribute a little, we can accomplish something extraordinary. That’s why we keep coming back to this campaign year after year.” In addition to matching donations, Kia Victoria is serving as a drop-off location and helping spread the word to customers, employees and the wider community. Donations to the 2026 Socks for Survival campaign can be made online at coolaid.org, by calling 250-414-4793 or in person at Kia Victoria. The campaign is aiming to provide 10,000 pairs of socks to people experiencing homelessness this winter, with community donations helping make that goal possible.
