Buy some silly socks; a shoe-in to help women in need

Today is a good day to buy - and wear - some silly socks.

Global hotel giant Accor is celebrating Australia's first-ever National Silly Sock Day - a new initiative created in partnership with DV Collective to raise awareness and essential funds for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

The launch coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs from today until December. 10

This year's UN Women theme focuses on digital violence against women, an increasingly urgent issue that affects millions worldwide.

National Silly Sock Day reflects the group's belief in the power of community-led action.

Across Australia, more than 5,000 pairs of limited-edition socks are available for purchase from participating Accor hotels, with all proceeds going directly toward placing additional beds in domestic violence shelters that urgently need support.

Every pair sold helps provide safe nights for women and children when they need it most and helps expand DV Collective's rapidly growing network of shelters, frontline services and counselling organisations.

This year's inaugural Silly Sock design was created by Tshering Gyem from Mercure Perth, whose artwork was selected from entries across the Accor Pacific network.

At the top of the sock, red heart-shaped threads weave across the fabric, "symbolising the emotional bonds that connect Accor's teams, guests and partners".

Accor's partnership with DV Collective began earlier this year through the Accor Community Fund, with an initial $20,000 contribution made to support DV Collective's mission of reducing the impact of domestic and family violence in Australia.

The organisation works to eliminate the waitlists and resource shortages that prevent women from accessing safe accommodation, legal support, trauma recovery programmes, counselling and essential materials.

DV Collective now supports more than 300 frontline services nationwide, including 75 women's shelters, and has this year alone contributed an additional 80 beds, representing more than 29,000 safe nights, alongside more than 100,000 donated hygiene and essential items.

With incidents increasing and shelters under extraordinary pressure, their goal for 2026 is to place 500 new beds into the system, a target that National Silly Sock Day will directly contribute to.

Accor's Chief Operating Officer in the Pacific region, Adrian Williams, said the creation of National Silly Sock Day affirmed the hotel group's commitment.

“Domestic violence affects far too many families in Australia, and the lack of safe accommodation is one of the most critical barriers for women and children seeking help." he said.

"National Silly Sock Day is a simple but powerful way for our teams, guests and communities to come together and drive real impact. Every pair purchased brings us closer to ensuring that no woman or child is turned away when they need safety.”

National Silly Sock Day will be held annually on November 25, with a new sock design released each year.

Members of the public can purchase socks or donate directly by visiting dvcollective.org or by purchasing through participating Accor hotels.

Grab a case of grenache and help the homeless

It is a terrible indictment on our federal and state governments that a winery should have to release a wine aimed at helping reduce homelessness - but probably not a surprise.

Family-owned Yalumba today released its Homefullness Grenache in collaboration with Forage Built to raise funds to help combat homelessness.

Fifty percent of funds from each pack sold of the the Yalumba x Forage Built Homefullness Grenache 2017 will go to Forage Built, an organisation that helps the homeless. 

The aim is to raise $90,000 to fund the build of a Forage Built Calyx – a transportable, eco-friendly space for someone to call their own, store belongings and sleep safely.

The first Calyx pod prototype was unveiled at Tasting Australia earlier this month, sparking feedback and conversation around homelessness. The design of the pod has been in consultation with those who it is intended for. 

Yalumba marketing manager Jacinta Gibson said challenges faced by the hospitality industry over the past year have been unprecedented. Statistics show that 272,816 people in the industry were laid off during 2020 and the figures continue to rise following the end of Job Keeper. Many people are now experiencing homelessness for the first time.

“We have had a longstanding relationship with Scott and Justin at Forage Supply Co., as well as a long term partnership with the Hutt St Centre," Gibson said. "When we heard about the Forage Built initiative, we were excited to get on board and help raise the necessary funds.” 

Forage Built’s mission is to build a community of modular housing, where people can begin to safely connect with others, access support and services and eventually find their way back into permanent housing.

Scott Rogasch from Forage Built said he was thrilled to have Yalumba supporting the initiative, and the partnership with Tasting Australia was a natural fit to help spread the word.

“We are working with South Australian businesses to create small cohort villages in areas of need, providing the necessary support to transition people out of homelessness,” he said. 

“Housing alone is not a sufficient solution to break the devastating cycle of homelessness that many people experience. Forage Built takes a more integrated approach, bringing together housing solutions, community support programs, volunteers, private and public funding and meaningful work opportunities to help solve an increasing problem in Australia.” 

Yalumba x Forage Built Homefullness Grenache 2017 packs of 12 bottles are available to purchase from the Yalumba website and Wine Room for $120.

Established in 1849, Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family owned winery. See www.yalumba.com