Canon Wray’s Sock Day
Sunday 21 January 2017
Sock box drop off every day up to and including 21 January from 10am-5pm
The Canon Wray Sock Appeal is back for its third year.
Manchester Cathedral can find a good home for any pairs of new, warm socks that people would like to donate or buy to support the Booth Centre in looking after those who find themselves homeless at the turn of the New Year. Members of the public can donate socks right up until the official anniversary of this historic legacy on the 21 January.
Canon Cecil Wray was a very popular, if slightly eccentric, priest who died in 1866 after serving in this church for 56 years. He was a contemporary of Joshua Brookes, and a rival to the claim of being the most prolific baptiser and ‘marrier’ in English history. Records show that he presided over 33,211 christenings, 13,196 marriages and 9996 funerals as a result of the massive growth in population during the Industrial Revolution.
Canon Wray was not afraid to speak his mind or get involved in Manchester’s political and social issues. He campaigned for new schools, the reduction of the working day to 10 hours for mill workers and was known for his sympathy for the needs of the poor.
Canon Wray’s ‘Birthday Gift’ is a fund he set up in 1866 for the provision of socks for the poor on the anniversary of his birthday. From now up until the 21 January we will be collecting socks, new pairs or any surplus pairs received over Christmas which we will then hand over to the Booth Centre for distribution. This year we will also be accepting other items including hats, scarves, gloves and toiletries.
The Development Manager at the Booth Centre, Amy Hinks said:
'We are delighted to be supported by the Cathedral's sock appeal once again. A new pair of socks can seem like a small thing, but they are so essential for people sleeping rough on the streets. This small act of kindness can have a big impact, and really help someone in need during the winter months. Thank you to everyone who donates a pair of socks, we really appreciate the support!'
The Dean of Manchester, the Very Reverend Rogers Govender, said
“Last year over 500 pairs of socks were donated. If possible we would like to improve on that record this year and continue to support the excellent work of the Booth Centre in any way we can. The simple act of providing someone with a clean, dry pair of socks can make a small difference to the comfort of those struggling on the city’s streets this winter. We will again be encouraging the staff and clergy of Manchester Cathedral to support this legacy and make their own donations. ”
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