With the aim of giving away 3000 pairs of socks across the country, Up & Running will donate one soft, warm pair of Balega socks for every pair of Balega running socks sold in an Up & Running store between December and February.

Socks are one of the most needed items in homeless shelters and one of the least frequently donated. These projects are crying out for comfortable, well-made socks which are essential for good foot health.

“We are so pleased to be partnering with Up and Running on the homeless initiative again this year. It is a small gesture in the battle against homelessness but we hope the campaign will bring a little joy and warmth to many this Christmas,” said Jon Dennis from Balega UK.

Up & Running Birmingham has teamed up with St Basil’s, a Birmingham charity who works with young people to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase confidence and prevent homelessness.

Barrie Hodge, Head of Communication and Fundraising for St Basil’s, said “We are delighted to receive this support from Up and Running Birmingham. These items will be given to our outreach for distribution and are so vital during these colder months. On behalf of all who will use them, thank you.”

George Cunningham, Head of Retail Operations at Up and Running said, “Our shops are a part of the community, and we cannot turn a blind eye to the homelessness we see in towns and cities across the UK. We hope to make a difference within our local communities. Last year we gave away 2600 pairs of warm socks to Shelter, and this year we are aiming to give away 3000 pairs. We have asked our stores to work with homeless projects local to their stores, and our socks will be distributed to them to benefit the communities close to our shops and customers”.