Kia Victoria Launches 2025 10,000 Socks Campaign
Kia Victoria Launches 6th Annual 10,000 Socks Campaign
For the sixth consecutive year, Kia Victoria is proud to partner with the Victoria Cool Aid Society to help provide one of the most requested and essential items for people in need across Vancouver Island — warm, high-quality socks.
Each fall, the 10,000 Socks Campaign raises funds to purchase 10,000 pairs of socks for people who are unhoused or experiencing poverty. This simple but powerful initiative helps protect foot health and bring comfort to those most vulnerable during the cold, wet months on Vancouver Island.
Kia Victoria and the Victoria Cool Aid Society have launched the 6th Annual 10,000 Socks Campaign to support people in need across Vancouver Island.
6 Years of Giving
Last year, the 5th Annual 10,000 Socks Campaign raised $17,678, bringing our five-year total to more than $95,000. Once again, the incredible generosity of our community helped us exceed our goal — and this year, we’re aiming to break the $100,000 milestone.
As in past years, Kia Victoria will match the first $5,000 in donations, doubling every dollar’s impact. That means that for every $1 donated, two pairs of warm socks will reach someone in need.
These funds allow the Cool Aid Society to purchase socks at a discounted rate from Perri’s Socks, with shipping generously donated by La-Z-Boy Victoria. Together, this collaboration ensures that 100 percent of donations go directly toward helping people stay warm and healthy through the winter.
“It’s incredible to witness how such a small gesture can have such a giant impact,” added Bethan Osterman, Marketing Manager at Kia Victoria. “This is one of the campaigns we look forward to the most each year.”
The Kia Victoria 10,000 Socks Campaign helps provide warm, high-quality socks to people in need across Vancouver Island in partnership with the Victoria Cool Aid Society.
Why Socks Matter
Socks are often taken for granted, but for people living outside or without reliable shelter, they are an essential part of staying healthy.
Cold, wet feet can lead to serious medical issues, from infections to frostbite, and can aggravate chronic conditions like diabetes. Many people who are unhoused spend long hours walking and rarely have the opportunity to remove their shoes or change into clean, dry socks.
Health professionals at the Cool Aid Community Health Centre have seen firsthand how something as small as a clean pair of socks can make an enormous difference — offering both physical comfort and a sense of dignity.
“We see everything from basic foot care needs to sores and lesions that can become infected if untreated,” said Kellie Guarasci, Clinical Nurse Lead for Cool Aid. “The ability to offer someone a warm, clean pair of socks can make a world of difference to their physical and mental well-being.”
The Victoria Cool Aid Society’s outreach team provides essential health and wellness services across Greater Victoria — one of many community initiatives supported by the Kia Victoria 10,000 Socks Campaign.
A Growing Need Across Vancouver Island
Now in its 18th year overall, the 10,000 Socks Campaign has distributed more than 142,000 pairs of socks to people across southern Vancouver Island — from Victoria to Nanaimo, including the Gulf Islands.
Donations are distributed through over 20 community organizations, including shelters, outreach programs, and health services. As housing insecurity continues to grow, so too does the need.
“We see the need every day,” said Brad Osterman, GM of Kia Victoria. “Something as simple as a good pair of socks can make a difference not only in comfort, but in overall health.”
The 10,000 Socks Campaign supports people in need across Vancouver Island, helping provide comfort, warmth, and dignity to those experiencing homelessness.
How to Help
The 6th Annual 10,000 Socks Campaign runs until November 30, 2025. Monetary donations can be made directly through the Victoria Cool Aid Society at coolaid.org/socks, by phone at 250-383-1977, or in person at Kia Victoria, located at 2620 Government Street. These contributions allow Cool Aid to purchase high-quality socks at a discounted rate, ensuring your support goes as far as it possibly can.
With Kia Victoria’s matching contribution, your $1 donation buys two pairs of socks — doubling your impact instantly.
Rock Bay Landing Shelter is one of the many local organizations that receive donations through the Kia Victoria 10,000 Socks Campaign and the Victoria Cool Aid Society.
Crosstown Victoria is one of the community locations supported through the Kia Victoria 10,000 Socks Campaign and the Victoria Cool Aid Society’s outreach efforts.
Rainbow Kitchen in Victoria is among the many community organizations that receive donations through the Kia Victoria 10,000 Socks Campaign in partnership with the Victoria Cool Aid Society.
Threshold Housing Society in Oak Bay is one of the local organizations that receives support through the Kia Victoria 10,000 Socks Campaign and the Victoria Cool Aid Society’s regional distribution network.
A Simple Way to Make a Big Difference
Every year, this campaign reminds us of what makes the Vancouver Island community so special — compassion, generosity, and a willingness to care for one another.
Whether you give $1 or $100, your contribution provides warmth, comfort, and dignity to someone who truly needs it.
Together, we can make this our most successful year yet — and help keep 10,000 pairs of feet warm this winter.
The Kia Victoria 10,000 Socks Campaign is part of our ongoing commitment to community care across Vancouver Island. By partnering with the Victoria Cool Aid Society, we’re helping ensure that everyone has access to one of life’s simplest necessities — clean, warm socks. Every dollar donated stays local and makes a measurable difference. Join Kia Victoria in supporting this important cause and help us reach our goal of $10,000 for 10,000 pairs of socks.