December 23, 2019
Volunteer Receives National Philanthropy Day Award
Congregation Emanu-El, McGregor Socks, generous donors and the Victoria Cool Aid Society have worked in partnership for 12 years to bring warm socks to the feet of Victoria’s most vulnerable citizens each winter. This month’s shipment of 10,000 new pairs of socks brings the total to 102,500 pairs, valued at over $500,000, that this partnership has brought to Vancouver Island – delivered to those in need by the 25 organizations and services listed below located in Victoria, Duncan, Salt Spring and Nanaimo.
This incredible outpouring of practical and compassionate love is the result of the hard work of Congregation Emanu-El’s Michael Bloomfield, who has worked with McGregor Socks, ensured shipment of the socks to Victoria, and individually solicited dozens of donors to pick up expenses each year. As a result of his extraordinary volunteer efforts, Michael was recently awarded the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. (see news release)
This is a powerful and inspiring story of compassion and cooperation. Begun by one concerned person it has grown to include our generous partners McGregor Socks, Cool Aid, Congregation Emanu-El, and the donors who have made this possible every year. This year’s donors include: Alan Rycroft, Alice Ma, Andrew Beckerman, Binghang Sun, Hon. Carole James, Craig Doell (BMO), Hon. Rob Fleming, Colin Gareau, Congregation Emanu-El, Cool Aid, David Fitzpatrick, Stephen White, Glen McElroy, DDS, Guy Pilch, Hong Li, Hutcheson & Co., Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Jean and Graham Dragushan, Juan Wang, Lan Hong, Lanlin Bu, La-Z-Boy Galleries Victoria-Nanaimo, Lindy & Stanley Shortt, Louis Sutker, Michael & Christine Bloomfield, Penny Tennenhouse, Phyllis Chuly, Waddell Raponi, Wei He and Yan Sun.
The 10,000 pairs of socks will be given to people who are homeless and at risk by 25 local social service agencies (see list below) that work together to serve our community.
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Information: CoolAid.org congregationemanuel.ca mcgregorsocks.com
Michael Bloomfield, Congregation Emanu-El: Avodah, 250-380-3001, bloom@islandnet.com
Kathy Stinson, CEO, Victoria Cool Aid Society, 250-414-4792, kstinson@CoolAid.org
Rob Stanley V.P. Sales | McGregor Industries, Toronto, 1-416-593-5353 x373 RStanley@mcg-ae.com
Partner Agencies Who Will Receive and Distribute Socks