Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter

Barry Christensen launched Montreal’s “Sock It To Me” nine years ago to give clean, dry socks to the needy at St. Michael’s Mission. Christensen has 42 years of experience working with people from all socio-economic backgrounds, including the homeless population while working as a paramedic.

After working alongside outreach workers, helping to tend to the needs of the homeless surrounding Berri-UQAM Métro for 10 years, Christensen identified a particular basic need that was unmet: socks.

More than 50,000 pairs of socks have been distributed through “Sock it To Me” in the last decade. The campaign runs from November 1 – November 30 each year.

Due to the rise in homelessness in the city, last September, St. Michael’s Mission ran out of socks. “Supplies normally last from campaign to campaign,” Christensen told The Suburban.

We need more reserves for both winter and summer necessity. According to Christensen, socks are a basic necessity which contribute to the maintenance of good health. “It’s a basic need,” he explained.

Socks are collected through multiple campaign platforms hosted by companies and schools. West Islanders can drop off socks at Terrafolia on Sources Boulevard and at Gilbert and Daughter clothing store on Donegani, in Pointe-Claire and at the Samuel Moscovitch arena in Cote St.Luc.

St. Michael’s Mission places a box by the door every day for people who wish to pick up a fresh pair of socks. With the rise in homelessness in 2020, The Suburban‘s Michael Sochaczevski, donated 10,000 pairs of socks accounting for 20% of all socks donated over the last decade.

Last year, a total of 7,000 pairs were donated and the supply lasted nine months with the delivery date in the beginning of December.

In addition to the Sock drive, Christensen also collects clothing on an as-needed basis throughout the year. “This past August, I did a quick clothing drive when the mission needed it, and I do drop offs throughout the year,” he said.

This year, Christensen is also helping the mission look for storage, as it will not have storage space for the socks as of January. Until that issue is resolved, Christensen is opting to drop off the socks on an as needed basis, storing the bulk in his home.

He is asking for the public’s help in finding a storage location.