AIDS NB gathering new socks to help clients in need

AIDS New Brunswick is collecting socks this monthand handing them out to clients of its needle exchange program many of whom are vulnerable and homeless.

It's a new initiative for the non-profit organization that was launched because of a glaring need for socks among the groups clients.

"I think it's something that we can't imagine someone needing," said Amanda Diggins, executive director of AIDS New Brunswick.

People often think to donate toiletries and other clothing items. But, according to Diggins's clients, it's often a pair of socks that they can use.

"It's cold, it's rainy, you're walking to go to the shelter, to the food bank, to your doctor's appointment, to work, to school depending on who they are," said Diggins.

Diggins said it doesn't cost much for people to donate. "It's a low cost item that people are able to just grab."

Students at St. Thomas University and some gay-straight alliances in high schools are collecting socks for the campaign and will donate them to AIDS New Brunswick at the end of the month.

Diggins said that the original goal was to collect 100 pairs of socks this month, but they've already had 35 pairs donated, so she expects the goal will be exceeded.

The socks are being handed out to people as they come in, Diggins said. They want to make sure people have new socks when they need them rather than waiting until the end of the month to start giving them out.

"It's sad and wonderful at the same time," Diggins said about the campaign's early success. "It's real joy in these people's eyes of getting a nice warm pair of socks."

Needle exchange program

Diggins said the socksare for clients using the needle exchange program, which offers injection and inhalation drug supplies.

The program had 600 clients in Fredericton last year. Diggins said the clients come wide spectrum of backgrounds.

AIDS New Brunswick also runs needle exchange programs in Miramichi and Bathurst. Similar programs are in Moncton, run by Ensemble, and in Saint John, run by Avenue B.

The sock drive is on until the end of October.