Sometimes you stumble across people who are just so inspiring in their selfless-ness. This happened to me, at some ungodly hour, on a Saturday morning a few weeks ago.
But first, let me back track a few steps. Having first launched my brand, with one product! A range of men’s black socks. Designed to appease a close mate of mine, who kept telling me it was really hard to find good quality men’s socks. I did some research, created the line from bamboo for all its amazing qualities, odor eating, sweat reduction and the softness of cashmere.
The socks were selling well, so it was time to expand the range. I found a great new factory, did some development and placed my order. However in the craziness of thousands of socks going through their system, a slight of hand meant part of my range, the patterned socks were inadvertently made out of cotton. As lovely as these socks looked, I could not sell them, as I do not advocate cotton products now I know the destructive role they play in our environment.
So, I suddenly found myself the recipient of 5000 pairs of cotton socks, that I couldn’t sell, and the supplier didn’t want back, being too difficult to return goods back into China. I decided they should go to people who through adversity have found themselves living on the streets of Melbourne. All of us know how amazing it feels to put on a brand new piece of clothing, or sleep in a bed with brand new sheets. I can only imagine, actually no I can’t, what it must feel like sleeping in the same clothes day in day out.
Then a serendipitous discovery while waiting for a Chai. I was reading the newspaper to find an article about onevoice.org.au. Its founder Josh Wilkins, has created the first mobile shower bus, used around the CBD in Melbourne. It offers a shower, hygiene packs and a clean pair of undies and socks.
I shot Josh an email, and straight away I get a response, which basically says “you must have been reading my mind!” They were running low on socks and he was just trying to work out where he was going to get stock for his “love out Loud” event the following Saturday.
So that is why, at 7 am on a Saturday, in the darkness, I find myself unloading boxes of socks at an old warehouse site in Sunshine.
Josh is an inspiring individual. Having taken to the streets for six months, to find out first hand the most pressing issues facing the plight of Melbourne’s homeless. He found there was a glut of food options, but really after accommodation, the real need is one of hygiene, somewhere safe and clean to wash, and also on a more humanitarian level, someone to have a chat with.
So he went about building his bus, with the help and donations from likeminded individuals. Aldi is also a proud supporter, selling the organizations water in their stores to help fundraise. The money from the sale of water is their other main source of income.
Donating our first 1000 pairs!
Check them out, and if you can help please do. This organization is driving real outcomes.
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