She’s back at it again.
Mary Crosby, known as the Queen of Socks, is now in her fifth year trying to put socks on as many unhoused feet as possible in the Halifax area.
Pairs are donated to shelters like Byrony House and Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.
Her mission started four years ago when she made a goal of knitting 100 pairs and has flourished into something she never expected.
“We hit 50,000 pairs that we have donated. So, this year’s goal should put it over 65,000,” says Crosby.
Photo: Mary Crosby
Crosby tells us her notoriety has gotten to the point where she is recognized all over town and now has business cards with a QR code.
“If I go to a local restaurant, I’m known. Giant Tiger… I went in there; they call me the sock lady. It’s kind of incredible,” says Crosby.
She has a Facebook group, Socks For Shelters, which has tripled in members from last year alone, bringing the number to 15,000.
Crosby says the generosity of the community makes her heart burst.
“This whole thing just makes my heart feel so good. People thank me and say on the group, ‘you’re amazing’ but it would have never happened if every one of those people didn’t join the group,” explains Crosby. “I can’t take credit on my own for this.”
Photo: Mary Crosby, Socks for Shelters/Facebook
The goal this year is 20,000 socks, and just a few weeks ago, she posted a photo online of 14,000 pairs of socks stacked in boxes, ready to go.
“So many businesses have gotten involved that are too numerous to mention, but it’s just incredible. The Girl Guides of Canada donated 650 pair. These kids are getting involved at such a young age,” says Crosby.
December 10 is the cut off to donate, with delivery day December 12, but Crosby says, they will not stop collecting.
