Hungerford set to go purple for UN International Day of Disabled People

START wearing purple, people.

Hungerfordians are being encouraged to get involved in this year’s Purple Socks Day charity event.

Purple Sock Day is an imaginative annual fundraiser that takes place on December 3 to support the United Nations' International Day of Disabled People (IDPD).

The day aims to raise awareness of disability inclusion and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

It was launched in 1992 when Windsor-based charity Parallel promoted purple socks as a simple, visible way to show support - just buy a pair of socks for £7 and wear them on the day.

Hungerford town councillor Stella Coulthurst made a presentation at a recent full town council meeting to promote the event locally and she has been busy delivering the socks to local outlets - see below for details.

She described the event as “a very visual way of showing support for the UN Day of the Disable Person and one that I’m passionate about.”

Ms Coulthurst added: “Parallel partner with local charities; here in West Berkshire such as Swings & Smiles, who Hungerford Town Council support with a grant.

“The £7 is split fifty-fifty, so Swings and Smiles receive £3.50.

“Of the balance, four-fifths goes to Parallel’s support for BASE – the British Association for Supported Employment, whose stated aim is ‘Employment for All’.

“The remainder goes to disabled entrepreneurs – very close to the founders’ heart.

“And so Swings and Smiles has charged us with turning Hungerford purple on Tuesday, December 3 and we agreed to help.”

The fundraising was kicked off by Hungerford Arcade owner Adrian Gilmour, who donated £25 to the appeal, which was immediately matched by another retailer.

Buy your purple socks from Hungerford Arcade; Herongate Leisure, the Hungerford Hub in the library building, Below Stairs antiques or from Hungerford printing Company at 109, High Street.