A NEW business in Bournemouth that makes socks is launching a promotion to give a pair of socks to the homeless for every pair that they sell, in support of World Homeless Day.

CityOfClouds, an online sock company based in Winton, is getting behind the national awareness day by offering 10 percent off their order using the code ‘Homeless10’, as well as donation to those living on the streets.

Founder Michael Owen said: “We don’t actually intend to profit from this promotion, we genuinely want to give as many socks as possible to support the homeless in the local Bournemouth area

“Socks are actually one of the most requested items by the homeless and we want to ensure that every rough sleeper in the UK has been given a free pair of our special tough anti-bacterial socks.”

Michael, who has lived in Bournemouth for much of his 40 years, has been developing the business for the last two years and has worked with the Ministry of Defence to ensure the products are of a high standard before launching the business to the general public this year.

He continued: “We specialise in socks and slippers with a Red Arrow Hawk shaped slipper due in this Christmas, both adults and children smile when seeing the prototype because, let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a novelty Red Arrow slipper for Christmas.

“We want everyone to love our products, not just RAF fans. Though there are many sock companies out there, we believe we are uniquely placed as the only company licensed to produced RAF and Red Arrow socks.

“We have been asked already if people can buy the ‘homeless sock’ for themselves which wasn’t our intention. In fact, when this sock goes on sale, we will have it as permanent promotion that we will donate one sock for every sock we sell in this style. We also intend to have the homeless promotion as a yearly event to allow people to support those less fortunate.

The company are also working with Hope For Food, a Bournemouth based charity run entirely by volunteers, to help those less fortunate. The organisation was founded by Claire Matthews in 2012 with the aim of providing life’s basic essentials on a day to day basis to people in need of help due to the current economic climate.

“This is where we come in and hope to assist,” said Michael. “The socks are thick, antibacterial, hard wearing and coloured a charcoal grey to help hide any stains that might occur. Each sock also holds our message to ‘Never Give Up’.

“CityOfClouds may not be able to solve the homeless issues, but we will be sure to help everyone walk in the clouds. One step at a time.”