Bermuda Partnership Helps Meet Essential Need
We may not think about it much. Perhaps we take them for granted. But socks are an essential item, vital to foot health and comfort. While this basic necessity is easily accessible to many, for those experiencing homelessness, that is not always the case.
The Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Bermuda, has been partnering with the local Salvation Army to provide new, clean socks to vulnerable people across the Island.
This initiative, known as the “Sock Project”, has been running for the past four years and its impact continues to grow.
“We started the sock project in December 2022,” Patricia Swan, lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, explains. “We thought it would be impactful to highlight the importance of clean socks for those in need within our Bermuda community.”
Thanks to a close relationship with The Salvation Army, the partnership seemed like the natural next step.
“Captain Dennis Maybury from The Salvation Army is the club’s in-house contact, so we thought this project would also be a great way to support the Army’s mission,” Lt.-Gov. Swan adds.
Donations have increased each year. What began as a small bag full of socks in 2022 grew to 1,969 pairs by the end of last year.
For 2025, the goal is 2,000 pairs of socks.
“It’s one charity supporting another charity.”
“So far this year, we have collected 1,121 pairs of socks and we’re still open to receiving more that we can contribute to The Salvation Army,” she says. “We thank our partners, family, friends, and work colleagues for their generous contributions.”
Salvation Army staff who encounter individuals receiving socks have emphasized the importance of these donations.
“Talking to Captain Maybury, he said that socks are a basic need and they have helped people feel good and warm,” Lt.-Gov. Swan says. “Having clean socks is important for hygiene and you need them throughout the year.”
The Sock Project is just one example of the difference The Salvation Army and the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton are making. Their relationship began many years ago and together they’ve battled through challenging times, working hard to serve the community.
“During COVID, we helped sanitize and clean Salvation Army pantries. We also have partnered to serve dinner to Salvation Army clients, as well as helping them restock their food supply,” Lt.-Gov. Swan shares. “A few years ago, the Army also gave us permission to use their space to host meetings and community events.
“It’s one charity supporting another charity,” she adds. “That is why we will gladly donate socks to their mission and distribution throughout our community.”
By Juan Romero
