‘Socks 4 Hope’ provides warmth, comfort to Edmonton’s homeless

An Edmonton man started a new initiative to provide brand new socks to the city’s most vulnerable this winter season.

Jeremy Lehman started the Socks 4 Hope campaign to give new cozy woolen socks to help the homeless keep their feet dry and warm during the winter months.

“I gave out socks, people were so overjoyed. They were so excited,” said Lehman. “It was like Christmas Day for them. To get a brand-new wool pair of socks.”

Lehman says the idea came after speaking to Edmonton’s most vulnerable.

“I met a man on the street and he shared with me how a pair of socks can actually save someone’s life,” recounted Lehman. “And through this conversation I learned that people that live on the street, they get wet feet and when they get wet feet they don’t always have dry socks to change into.”

Jeremy Lehman and New Destiny Church pastor Ray Baillie putting socks together for the “Socks 4 Hope” campaign. (Credit: CityNews/Amal Mohamud)

Edmonton’s New Destiny Church is currently supporting the Socks 4 Hope initiative. Pastor Ray Baillie says the church is determined to be a part of the effort this winter.

“It’s our part to do what we can do,” said Baillie. “We can’t lift all the burdens that they have. But we can do something that will help them for a while. And every little bit of encouragement is like another drop in the bucket that hopefully will lift their hope for a brighter future.”

Lehman feels his cause is already making an impact.

“When we go out, we bring a message of hope and peace. And that’s really what it’s all about. Socks 4 Hope is about bringing hope to those that are need.”