Who We Are

Stepping Up/Un pas vers l'Avant is currently in its 10th year of collecting new socks for the homeless. Often overlooked during clothing drives because they have to be new, Barry Christensen founded Stepping Up/Un Pas vers l’Avant (formerly Sock It To Me) to fill a need —  looking to improve the lives of others in a very basic way. 

Having worked as a paramedic with Urgences-santé for 42 years, Barry witnessed first-hand how something so simple can have a huge impact on the health and welfare of people living on the streets. Providing something as simple as a clean pair of socks can help people stay warm and dry, as well as prevent illness and disease. 

Over the past 10 years, Stepping Up/Un pas vers l'Avant has collected nearly 75,000 pairs of socks, distributing them to shelters and missions across the island of Montreal.