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A national real estate brand’s fundraising campaign facilitated by the sale of socks has resulted in a significant contribution for a provider of housing for those facing homelessness.
The Raine & Horne Foundation kicked off the “Take a walk in their socks” initiative last September in support of Dignity, a charity operating temporary accommodation and longer-term stable housing.
Selling socks emblazoned with the brand’s ampersand logo to members across the network, the campaign donated a second pair of socks for each sale to a person being housed by Dignity.
In addition, the charity – which became the network’s first non-profit partner when the Raine & Horne Foundation was launched in July 2021 – was the beneficiary of a $50,000 donation.
Since Dignity’s inception, it has provided more than 95,000 nights of supported temporary accommodation to people experiencing homelessness, as well as food relief and education programs aimed at combating the issue.
Angus Raine, executive chairman of Raine & Horne, acknowledged that at the outset, the initiative seemed somewhat unconventional.
“Socks aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when helping to fight homelessness, yet essential in empowering people to find their feet,” Mr Raine said.
Suzanne Hopman, chief executive of Dignity, agreed: “We often take for granted the simple pleasure of a pair of fresh, new socks, and I am so pleased that we will be able to provide them to our guests.”
Mr Raine expressed his pride at the success of the campaign, noting that the foundation is still in its nascent stages.
“The foundation aimed to sell hundreds of socks, so to sell 1,600 units and provide $50,000 in financial support to Dignity is a fantastic first campaign and testimony to the dedication of those working in the Raine & Horne network to get behind this important cause,” he said.
Raine & Horne’s corporate team also contributed to Dignity’s corporate volunteering program, helping the organisation prepare for an expected surge in winter by organising clothes and goods for their guests.
Ms Hopman said the brand’s support came at a moment when extra help was sorely needed.
“The generous support and partnership with Raine & Horne were initiated at a time when Dignity identified a surge in demand for our services due to the ongoing health pandemic.
“The collaboration with the Raine & Horne Foundation has therefore helped make an impact on the lives of those who need it most,” she said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Helmke
Based in Sydney, Juliet Helmke has a broad range of reporting and editorial experience across the areas of business, technology, entertainment and the arts. She was formerly Senior Editor at The New York Observer.
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