LORNA Wight is using her retirement to help homeless men.
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The Bendigo woman retired in May last year and founded A Gift of Sox in June.
Ms Wight's mission is to supply new socks to homeless men living in Victoria.
Last year, with the support of family, friends and the Bendigo community, Ms Wight collected 1250 pairs of socks to help 625 homeless men survive the winter months.
"St John of God Coffee Shop held a sock drive which was a great success and Clive Martin Real Estate also supported my cause," Ms Wight said.
"If any organisation or business would like to help out in a similar way this year it would be greatly appreciated."
Ms Wight is also adding gloves and beanies to the collection this year.
"I've purchased some wool and I'm rounding up some people to do the knitting for me," she said.
"Our socks are commercial socks because I think that's the easiest way to go with socks but fingerless gloves and beanies apparently aren't hard to knit so we're going to do that."
Last year socks were donated to Bendigo Community Health Services, Unity Care in Bendigo, the Salvation Army in St Arnaud and Mildura, Hanover in Melbourne, the Home of Mercy in Fitzroy, Ozoman House in Melbourne, Flagstaff Crisis Centre in Melbourne, and Doutta Galla in Melbourne.
"It all started because I was a bit bored," Ms Wight said.
"I did a bit of research and found there was a need.
"I fund it myself if someone hasn't donated socks I just buy them myself and pay for the postage.
"That's just my way of giving back.
"I've had a nice life so it's nice to do something for someone else."
People can donate socks, knit fingerless gloves and beanies or donate money by phone Ms Wight on 0419 001 593 or emailing agiftofsox@gmail.com
"I will ask that anyone donating goods to remember these items are for men," Ms Wight said.
People can read more about the charity and see photos of organisations that have received socks by visiting Ms Wight's blog at www.agiftofsox.com