Our Story

It all began back in 2015 when a group of friends wanted to help out people facing tough times during the cold winter months. We worked together in a small drop-in that was run out of an old church basement. It was the kind of place where real relationships were formed. It had a casual atmosphere where some folks watched a movie while others read a book, listened to music, chatted and played cards with friends. Meals and coffee were shared and people had a safe and warm place to hangout during the day. So, naturally, when the supply of socks were running low and any sort of budget was non-existent we wanted to round up some donations and also get people involved and engaged.

Together we came up with the idea of hosting a concert to gather socks. What could we call such an event? Well, I guess creativity was lacking because we literally just called it Concert for Socks. So, we scouted a venue, rounded up some local bands, and plastered posters all over town to spread the word.

The first concert was a hit, with everyone coming together for a night of music and community spirit. At that moment we had no idea or plans to do anything else. It was really just to get socks for the winter. We didn’t know it then but Concert for Socks would later expand to cities all across Canada, from Winnipeg to Toronto, Ottawa to Montreal, and beyond. We’ve been in some legendary venues like The Park Theatre in Winnipeg, The Spill in Peterborough, and the Rivoli in Toronto.

But why socks, you ask? Well, besides the obvious comfort of warm, dry feet, socks are often overlooked as a basic necessity in shelters. And, as we seek to find common ground and shared humanity socks are something almost all of us need at some point or another. So, Concert for Socks aims to provide not just socks, but also a sense of dignity and care for everyone. Love your neighbour, ya know?

What makes Concert for Socks special is its focus on inclusivity and community engagement. It’s not just about raising donations – it’s about creating meaningful connections and spreading warmth, both literally and figuratively. We do our best to be thoughtful as we choose a local organization to partner with and support. And when the time comes to start the Concert planning, we always find ways to involve the very same people we are supporting. Our heart is to do this together with the community. So, if you’re looking for a night filled with great music, heartfelt conversations, and a chance to make a difference, come join us at the next Concert for Socks event!