Bradford’s Out of the Cold Café reopens full-time to the public on Nov. 1 and the centre is kicking off the season with a new fundraising campaign, ‘Stuff-a-Sock’ to help raise money for upcoming programs.
The café (run by WOW Living) will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (located on the lower level of 31 Frederick Street, Bradford). The café is a resource centre geared to helping the homeless sector and those less fortunate in the community.
Starting this Saturday, residents are encouraged to drop by the centre to collect one of 1,000 pairs of socks donated by the local Peavey Mart and are asked to fill the sock with any spare change or cash between now and Dec. 16.
A card inside the sock will explain the details of the fundraiser, and anyone wishing to fill more than one sock is also welcome to grab extra pairs.
“During the month of November, leave the sock by your door and collect some change,” suggests LaRose. “Our expenses are different now post-Covid… So, this (fundraiser) is to support our programs.”
Anyone who donates over $40 will be automatically entered into a draw for a getaway package for a weekend stay at the Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto, compliments of one of the volunteers at the cafe.
“The Bradford people are who make this community so great!” shares Patti LaRose with CrossTrainers Canada who helped come up with the sock-fundraising idea. “Our volunteers are the best supports for people in need.”
Additional smaller prizes will be available to accommodate larger groups that are participating in the sock campaign, such as school classrooms and local churches.
The Out of the Cold Café is equipped with computers, printers and phones, snacks and coffee, and daily free lunches sponsored by local restaurants.
The café is still looking for more volunteers and lunch sponsors from any local restaurants or certified food providers.
For more information contact LaRose at [email protected]