Temperatures here in Australia have been dropping and while it’s easy enough for us to rug up at home, not everyone is so lucky. On any given night, 1 in 200 Australians are homeless, without access to essential items like clean socks and undies. That’s where the hashtag #IGiveASock comes into play.
With colder months upon us, we spoke to Matt Tilley on the latest episode of It’s Been A Big Day For… about how to help those in need with the #IGiveASock campaign launched by Underworks and Foodbank Victoria. LISTEN BELOW:
“It’s pretty simple, it encourages people to take a stupid selfie involving socks,” Tilley explained. “Every time that’s posted with the hashtag #IGiveASock, Underworks is going to donate a pair of socks to Foodbank Victoria.”
Sadly, essential items – like socks and undies – are some of the least donated, but most needed items here in Australia. “I think people are very comfortable donating coats, and old things when they do a clear out. People don’t think to donate socks or underwear – these people are having it rough as it is, without having to deal with my sweaty socks!”
“But really, those are the two things that make you feel clean – socks and underwear,” Tilley explained.
There’s a common misconception that you have to donate all your money to charities to make a difference, but social media charity campaigns like #IGiveASock prove that there are other ways you can help the causes you care about.
Tilley also suggested “empathy and understanding, rather than submitting yourself to the general disdain of saying, ‘they’re on welfare, they’re not trying,’” as a way to help.
“It’s a start, if you’re not disposed to give a financial donation,” he said. “Another great way to help is through volunteering. Most volunteers are retirees, because everyone else claims they’re too time poor.”
“No disrespect to retirees, but some young, strong, healthy bodies wouldn’t go astray – a lot of it is lifting stuff into cars, packing stuff – physical work,” he added.
Tilley did have one overarching piece of advice for those wanting to help out. “Let’s not go down the ‘thoughts and prayers’ path – that’s not doing anything.”
The #IGiveASock campaign offers a tangible result for those in need, and all it requires is a little love on social media. All you have to do is upload a photo to Instagram wearing or holding socks with the #IGiveaSock hashtag and by tagging Underworks. For every upload, Underworks donates a pair of socks.
It’s the perfect excuse to rug up for a very worthy cause.
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