In fall 2025, the USJE Mobilization and Member Engagement committee launched a promotional pilot project in partnership with Sock Rocket involving the purchase of USJE-branded socks at a subsidized rate. The initiative gave locals and individual members an opportunity to engage directly by ordering and distributing more than 1,000 pairs of socks. In addition to securing a bulk discount, the project also included a donation component: for every regular purchase, Sock Rocket provided three additional pairs of socks to support community organizations.
Thanks to suggestions from members, two charities were selected to receive donations of 1,500 pairs of socks each: Shawna’s Outreach in Ottawa, Ontario, and The Purpose Society in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
Shawna’s Outreach is a volunteer-led initiative founded by Shawna Thibodeau. The organization supports individuals experiencing homelessness by distributing care packages that include food, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential items, while also helping connect people to available services in the community.
On Friday, May 29, RVP Sonia O’Brien-Colterman and member Cristina Machado met with Shawna at the USJE office to present the donation socks. In addition to the socks, USJE Local 70005 contributed $500 in $10 McDonald’s gift cards for Shawna to distribute to individuals in need throughout Ottawa.
The Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families, founded in 1983, provides a broad range of social, health, educational, and community-based services that support children, youth, adults, and families. Through counselling, family support, housing assistance, youth development programs, food security initiatives, and access to essential resources, the society works to strengthen individuals, families, and communities across the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
On Monday, June 1, RVP Kirsty Havard and Member of BC Legislative Assembly Jennifer Whiteside delivered 1,500 pairs of socks to the Purpose Society. During their visit, they were welcomed by Elizabeth Cottam, Coordinator for Early Childhood Development Family Programs, and Eric Osmond, Executive Director.
Did you want to purchase your own USJE Branded socks? We still have a limited quantity available. Order yours now!