Toes-T-Tootsie campaign working to keep the vulnerable warm through the winter

The Toes-T-Tootsies campaign collected new socks, mitts and toques for the region’s vulnerable population as temperatures drop. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

What started as a post-covid initiative to bring a community together, has turned into an annual fundraiser to help keep those in need warm through the wintertime.

The fourth annual Toes-T-Tootsies has launched, aiming to bring mitts, toques, socks and other wintertime essentials to persons in need across Ontario.

Former police officer Craig McCormick launched the campaign in 2021 with the help of the non-profit House of Lazarus as a way to bring people together following the COVID-19 pandemic.

McCormick says he felt that with a catchy-enough name, the campaign could generate some buzz. From there, Toes-T-Tootsies took off.

“I approached all these small-town businesses to see if we could get something going and we’re in our fourth year now,” says McCormick.

McCormick says the initiative has grown bigger every year and now includes a long list of participating businesses.

“We’re up to 20 locations this year and it’s just been so heartwarming,” says McCormick.

All items are divided in the House of Lazarus Christmas hampers and end up getting shared with families or individuals in need, including those who have lost their jobs and those experiencing homelessness.

“House of Lazarus is so grateful to Craig McCormick for putting this campaign together again this year,” says Cathy Ashby, executive director at House of Lazarus.

“House of Lazarus is really seeing an influx of people coming through our food bank doors and our food bank visitors will definitely be recipients of these socks.”

Toes-T-Tootsies has collected about 6,000 items since its launch and hopes to continue growing, and McCormick says seniors and senior homes have hand-knitted socks and toques for donation.

Isabelle Bakie, co-ordinator with 692 Coffee and Bar says the campaign offers a chance to give back to the community.

“We decided to do it here at 692 because we really love to involve our community,” Bakie said. “It’s a big part of what we stand for and what we believe in as a community. Especially, during the Christmas season, I think it’s really important to give back.”

The campaign runs until Dec. 20.

Donation locations

Anyone can drop off new socks, toques, mitts and gloves at 20 of the community campaign ambassador locations:

• Merrickville Food Market
• Kemptville Physiotherapy Centre
• Kemptville Back On Track Physiotherapy Centre
• Kemptville Canadian Tire
• Kemptville Fast Eddies Diner
• Kemptville District Hospital(Main Entrance)
• Marlborough Pub and Eatery North Gower
• Raymonds Gas Station Osgoode
• Loughlins General Store Hallville
• Foodland Winchester
• Winchester District Hospital(Main Entrance)
• McDonough’s Independent Grocer Manotick
• 692 Coffee & Bar Manotick
• Jonsson’s Independent Grocer Kemptville
• Turcotte’s General Store, Heckston
• Rick’s Gas Station, South Mountain
• Sherry’s, Williamsburg
• MacEwen Gas Station, Chesterville
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