Jennylee Cowie is collecting socks to donate to those in need

(PARKER CROOK / iNFOnews.ca)

Money, shelter and food – that is what Jennylee Cowie often heard when she asked Vernon and Kelowna homeless what they need.

However, one more item kept making its way into the conversation — socks. So Cowie went to work.

“I love to talk to people and I asked what would be something that they would like to receive aside from the usual money, shelter, food. Dry socks kept coming up in conversation,” Cowie said. “Have you ever had wet feet? I have. And it’s not fun. Have you ever tried to dry your socks outside in the rain and cold? It’s hard.”

As of Monday, Nov. 25, Cowie said she has about 44 pairs of her 100-pair target. She has until Dec. 14 to collect the remaining 56 pairs before paying a visit to Kelowna’s Gospel Mission on Leon Avenue Dec. 15.

Cowie is a member of the Street Thug Barbers – a Vancouver-based group that offers free haircuts to homeless and people with low income. Cowie said she travels from Vernon to the Gospel Mission every month for free haircuts and hopes to bring the practice to Vernon as well.

“I just want the community to know how important this is. Homelessness isn’t always a choice. They are still human, same as you and I. They have a heart, they have feelings and they have not always been dealt the best hand in life,” said Cowie. “I was given a second chance at life. I was once homeless and addicted to drugs and after a very long road of recovery – lots of ups and downs – I am finally in a place that I can give back.”

Anyone with socks to donate is asked to contact Cowie through Facebook or via text at 250-540-3777.

“If you can not get a pair of socks for donation, please try to do something kind for someone in need this holiday season,” said Cowie.

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