Last week Govia Thameslink held a donation day at stations across their railway network to collect socks for homeless shelters.
Six homeless shelters are being supported by the collection which saw over 4,170 pairs of socks collected.
For those sleeping rough, socks are often overlooked as an essential item. and help keep feet warm and dry.
Govia Thameslink Railway and homeless charity St Mungos helped distribute the socks to local shelters and charities across the network. These new socks should help reduce the risk of blisters and infections for the homeless.
Participating charities and stations were
- Bedford – NOAH Enterprise
- Luton – NOAH Enterprise
- St Albans – Centre 33
- Stevenage – Helping Herts Homeless
- Royston – Helping Herts Homeless
- Blackfriars – The Connection at St Martins
- East Croydon – Spire
- Brighton – Brighton Housing Trust
What did the officials say?
Steve White, Chief Operating Officer at GTR, said:
“We have been overwhelmed with the response and support for the activity and want to thank our customers and colleagues for their generous donations. This is the first year for the Great Sock Appeal and overall, we collected in excess of 4,170 pairs of socks. We are thrilled to have been able to support such a worthy cause during the cold winter period.”
Jim O'Connor, Chief Executive of GTR charity partner, NOAH Enterprise said;
“On behalf of the people who are homeless and, in too many cases, rough sleeping this Christmas, we at NOAH Enterprise say thank you to GTR's customers for their generosity and kindness in donation over 4,000 pairs of socks for the use and comfort of people living on the streets. Our thanks go equally to Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and all of their staff for making possible this tremendous and warming gesture.
“Wishing you and all GTR travellers a very Happy Christmas – you have contributed to making it so for others who have so little.”
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