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Youngster organizes Sock Rock to help give the gift of warmth

More than 750 pairs of socks collected at dance in Tsawwassen
sock rock
Morgan McDonough organized the Sock Rock to benefit the Lookout Emergency Aid Society.

Tsawwassen youth recently helped provide the gift of a warm pair of socks thanks to a successful dance fundraiser.

The inaugural Sock Rock was organized by 11-year-old Morgan McDonough, a Sacred Heart School student from Boundary Bay. The dance, in which youth gained entry by bringing a new pair of socks, was held Dec. 14 at the Inhabit Training Academy in Tsawwassen.

More than 60 kids and 40 adults collected more than 750 pairs of socks and $250 was raised through the sale of snack bags that McDonough put together.

His parents will be matching the cash donation, making it an even $500, which along with the socks, will be donated to the Lockout Emergency Aid Society.

McDonough and his family recently moved to Tsawwassen from Los Angeles and wanted to "give back" this Christmas.

He said he got the idea for the sock fundraiser through a similar event called Soles for Souls.

"I thought some people really need socks. Everyone needs to feel warm and if you make your feet warm, your heart will also be warm," he said. So from this idea, Sock Rock was born. Word of the fundraiser spread through social media and through the Sacred Heart School community.

Inhabit Training Academy offered up the space to hold the event, Paul Roberts from Uptown Eatery supplied the DJ and disco lights so the kids could all dance in their socks and Delta police officer Moe Parry stopped by to lend his support. Chief Neil Dubord was also going to stop by, but had a conflict in his schedule. Instead, his wife Lorraine attended, bringing good wishes from the chief and the department.

"Morgan is learning to give back and really experiencing the true meaning of Christmas," said his mom Ruvé. "We want to thank all of our amazing friends for all their support."

Lookout Society is grateful for the support - especially at this time of year.

"This kind of support really shows that anyone can make a difference to the lives of people in need," said Keir Macdonald, deputy executive director for Lookout Emergency Aid Society.

"It's very encouraging to see that people of all ages in our community are aware and concerned about the issues surrounding the homeless - and are compelled to do something. During this especially cold and challenging winter, every donation makes a direct impact on the homeless and vulnerable populations we serve."