
(Greater Toronto Area) - Ed the Sock and 94.9 The Rock’s first Socktoberfest was a smashing
success!
While the bands rocked the Biltmore Theatre stage, bins were overflowing with donations of new socks and gently-used winter outerwear, clothing and footwear for those experiencing homelessness this winter, to be distributed by Durham Region’s Street Outreach Program!
The Street Outreach Program helps to ensure unsheltered residents have access to supports and services they need. As of last month, there were more than 811 people experiencing homelessness, reported by Durham Region’s By-Name List. The By-Name List is a list of people experiencing homelessness who consent to receiving supports.
At the first of what promises to be an annual event, Socktoberfesters were treated to comedy performances and music by Highteens, Blamethrower, Dustin Macaulay and Rowan Picard - as well as audience karaoke duets with Ed the Sock!
Whether that last part was actually a treat for the audience’s ears is...really subjective. Ed’s singing voice has been described as a “sonic bulldozer”.
Socktoberfest is an outgrowth of Ed the Sock’s All Night Show, which airs live weeknights from midnight - 5AM on 94.9 The Rock! Now in its second year, the All-Night Show has developed a large and loyal following with audience requests, live phone calls, an undisciplined playlist of music and of course, Canadian icon Ed the Sock’s cranky sense of humour.
“We had about three weeks to cobble this thing together and it was a huge success,” says event creator Ed the Sock. “Imagine what we can accomplish next year if we do some actual advance planning!”
“When people come together and support each other, great things happen. Durham Region received an overwhelming number of winter clothing donations from Socktoberfest,” says Lisa McIntosh, Director of Income and Employment Support, Social Services. “The donations filled the bed of a pickup truck! And we will distribute all of them to those experiencing homelessness this winter. Thank you to 94.9 The Rock and Durham Radio Inc., for your continued support in helping vulnerable residents.”
For more information on The All-Night Show or 94.9 The Rock, please contact Doug Elliott, Program Director, 94.9 The Rock at doug.elliott@dri.fm
Visit the Supports page on durham.ca for more information about the Street Outreach Program and other supports available.
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