Canadian-Armenian Businessman Donates 30,000 Pairs of Shoes, Socks to Health Workers Fighting COVID-19

Canadian fashion retailer Ardene is donating thousands of pairs of women’s sneakers and socks to health workers who need to change them regularly to avoid spreading COVID-19. Ardene says it had given 30,000 pairs in assorted sizes to hospitals across Canada by March 27, and had “many more to give.” the company is owned by Canadian-Armenian businessman Ardene Dervishian.

Ardene says workers need new, unworn shoes and socks because they need to change them multiple times a day. It says it will also send them to medical centres and COVID-19 screening clinics, and asked Canadians to let the chain know who needs them.

The company, which has about 325 stores, said it will also donate new clothing to women’s shelters across Canada, and donate $1 to WE Well-being in support of youth mental and physical well-being education for every purchase at ardene.com during the COVID-19 crisis.