The Just Socks Foundation has launched its 11th Annual Emergency Sock Drive, a winter campaign aimed at supplying new socks to people experiencing homelessness and hardship across Canada. The drive runs through February 15, 2026, and will culminate in a major distribution event known as the Big Sock Drop on February 13 in Concord, Ontario.
More than 40 charities from across the Greater Toronto Area and elsewhere in Ontario are expected to gather in person to pick up tens of thousands of pairs of new socks for immediate distribution. The annual campaign comes after a milestone year for the organization, which recently donated its one millionth pair of socks.
The Just Socks Foundation sock drive addresses a basic but often overlooked need. In 2025 alone, the organization distributed more than 160,000 pairs of new socks to over 100 charities across Canada, reinforcing the importance of consistent supply during cold weather months.
Foundation leaders say that socks are among the most urgently needed items for people living outside or in shelters, yet they remain one of the least donated essentials.
“New socks are one of the most urgently needed items for people living outside or in shelters — yet they are also among the least donated,” said Terry Smith, President of Just Socks Foundation. “Socks play a vital role in foot health, hygiene, and overall dignity. Our mission is simple: provide high-quality, new socks to the people who need them most, exactly when they need them.”
Individuals experiencing housing insecurity may walk up to 15 kilometres each day in search of food, shelter, and services, often with only one pair of socks. Exposure to rain, snow, and cold conditions can quickly lead to wet feet, discomfort, and serious health complications.
For health and safety reasons, most charities can only accept new socks, which makes monetary donations the most effective way to meet demand. The Just Socks Foundation sock drive focuses on converting donations directly into bulk sock purchases for immediate distribution.
Supplier Partnership Supports National Distribution
The foundation works closely with long-time supplier Perri’s Corporation, which provides high-quality “comfort socks” produced specifically for the organization at below-market cost. The socks are then distributed directly to charity partners across the country.
“As a family business, we are proud to support Just Socks Foundation and its focused, practical approach to helping those in need,” said Anthony Perri, President and CEO of Perri’s Corporation. “It’s a simple item that makes a profound difference.”
The organization operates as a fully volunteer-run charity with a digital-first model. According to the foundation, about 95 per cent of funds raised are directed toward the purchase and shipping of new socks to partner charities nationwide.
Big Sock Drop Set for February 13
The 2026 campaign will culminate in the Big Sock Drop on February 13, when charity representatives gather at Perri’s Corporation’s Concord facility to collect tens of thousands of pairs of socks. The event provides immediate supply to organizations serving people experiencing homelessness across the region.
More than 40 charities are expected to attend the in-person distribution, which offers both logistical efficiency and a strong visual demonstration of the campaign’s impact. The Just Socks Foundation sock drive uses the annual event to ensure that donations translate quickly into tangible support for those in need during the winter season.
The foundation says that demand remains high, particularly during cold weather, when clean, dry socks can have a direct impact on comfort, hygiene, and overall health.
How the Public Can Support the Campaign
The Just Socks Foundation encourages donations through its online platform, where contributions are converted directly into sock purchases. According to the organization, a $100 donation provides a box containing 60 pairs of socks, while $50 provides 30 pairs. Tax receipts are automatically issued for donations over $3.
Now in its 11th year, the Just Socks Foundation sock drive continues to rely on public contributions, corporate sponsors, and charity partners to sustain its distribution efforts across Canada. Since its founding in 2013, the organization has focused exclusively on supplying new socks to homeless and marginally housed individuals, addressing what it describes as one of the most essential and under-donated items.
With winter conditions intensifying across much of the country, the foundation says the need for donations is immediate, as it works to keep people a little warmer and more comfortable during the coldest months of the year.
