All September long, 30 On Side branches rallied together in support of a unique sock fundraiser known as ‘SOCKtember’, created by The DYOJO. From Vancouver to St. John’s, On Side staff, numerous clients, vendors and other supporters brought in socks for donation to each branch’s local charity of choice. These much-needed garments assist charities to help keep their clients’ feet warm through the cold winter months and beyond. Especially while the world is still in the midst of this pandemic, something as simple as gifting a pair of warm socks can make all the difference for an individual in any community. Whether socks were dropped off in-person or purchased online and delivered, this event made it possible for anyone to help make a difference no matter their physical location.

The collective On Side team, including participating industry partners, clients, and volunteers truly got their ‘socks-on’ and raised a grand total of 34,129 pairs of socks!

Doug Irwin, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Growth said, “We take challenges seriously at On Side and because generosity is one of our core values, SOCKtember was right in our wheelhouse. I want to thank Jon Isaacson, podcast host of The DYOJO, for inviting us to participate in a friendly cross-border competition to support our communities. In 2020—its inaugural year, SOCKtember raised 5,500 pairs of socks. For On Side to focus our collective team’s efforts and raise over 34,000 socks in our first year participating is really exhilarating.”

Various charities across Canada received their sock donations earlier this week. Below are the organizations who inspired this initiative:

• Sk’aiZeh Yah Youth Centre – Prince George, BC
• RainCity Housing & Support Society – Vancouver, BC
• Cyrus Centre – Abbotsford, BC
• Kelowna’s Gospel Mission– Kelowna, BC
• Child & Family Services – Vernon, BC
• High Prairie Friendship Centre – Grand Prairie, AB
• Boyle Street Community Services – Edmonton, AB
• Grant’s Closet – Lethbridge, AB
• The Mustard Seed & Youth HQ – Red Deer, AB
• Women in Need Society, Calgary Drop-In Centre, Hope and Faith Foundation & The Mustard Seed – Calgary, AB
• CommUNITY.204 – Winnipeg, MB
• Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region – Kitchener, ON
• Ottawa Mission – Ottawa, ON
• Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie & Seniors Wish Association – Barrie, ON
• YWCA Niagara Region – Niagara Falls, ON
• DASO – Woodstock, ON
• Community Clothing Assistance-Undercover Project – Thunder Bay, ON
• Unity Project & London Abused Women’s Centre – London, ON
• Interval House of Hamilton – Hamilton, ON
• Juliette’s Place (Homeward Family Shelter) – Toronto / Durham / Mississauga, ON
• Pavillon Patricia Mckenzie – Laval, QC
• Centre d’Hébergement Multiservice de Mirabel – Mirabel, QC
• Entraide Famiale de l’Outaoutais – Gatineau, QC
• Mission Bon Accueuil – Montreal, QC
• The Gathering Place – St. John’s, NL

Irwin concluded, “A very special mention to Team Red Deer who raised 4,532 pairs of socks and led the country, outdoing branches with 5 times the number of employees. We couldn’t be more proud of the effort put forward by all of our colleagues from coast to coast! Thank you to all of our participating industry partners, clients and volunteers for making this such a special event and helping those who need it most.”

ABOUT ON SIDE RESTORATION

On Side Developments Ltd. (“On Side Restoration”, “On Side” or the “Company”) is the nation’s leading Canadian-owned restoration firm with 40+ branches from Victoria, BC to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 40 years the company has been restoring damaged homes and businesses 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. On Side’s revolutionary web-based software, eClaim, supports easy project access and full file transparency for use by internal staff and external clients. Their in-house emergency Contact Centre is also available 24/7 to help clients connect with them, for a smooth and efficient customer experience. Experienced and certified crew operate their extensive fleet of emergency response vehicles and specialized restoration equipment. On Side Developments Ltd. is a subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC).

CONTACT

Sonia Manson
Director, Communications and Corporate Affairs
On Side Restoration Services Ltd.
smanson@onside.ca 905-474-3710