Two young friends decided to explore the World. When it came time for one of them to return home, they decided they needed something to represent their friendship, the memories they had made and their shared passion for adventures to come.
They remembered a story that had been told – a story of courage and friendship that moved and inspired them to begin a new journey together, no matter where their separate paths may lead them.
The story belonged to Sidney Feinson, a South African war veteran. Feinson joined the army in 1941. He was captured during the Battle of Tobruk, along with 97 other South African soldiers, and sent to a prison camp in Italy. After 12 months imprisonment, Feinson and two friends managed to escape with the help of a beautiful young Italian woman and a priest. They made their way to the Swiss border, hiding in homes and churches along the way in order to escape the German troops.
Feinson and his friends decided to make a pact to commemorate lost friends, those who didn’t manage to escape, and those who died in battle – they would wear red socks as a symbol of friendship, unity and remembrance.
It is this story of brotherhood and human connection that initiated the Red Sock Friday movement – an International phenomenon dedicated to fostering the same spirit Feinson and his friends grew as a tribute to their friends and the journey they all shared.
Now “red-sockers” around the world are embarking on their own journeys, inspired and passionate about the lives they live, and collecting their own stories to share with one another.
So take the opportunity to don the red socks and join the likes of Richard Levi, Bob Skinstad, Desmond Tutu, Ryan ten Doeschate, Ryan O’Connor, Ryan Sandes, Neil Carter, Justin Reid-Ross, Andrew Cronje, Hanli Prinsloo and many more.
To find out more about the red socks you can follow on twitter for Red Sock Friday,or John McInroy . You can also read all about the initiative on Facebook and see updates on all things related to red socks. If you would like to order a pair you can through Newtons by emailing redsocks@newtons-sa.co.za or contact Thelma Crossman 051-4034100.
Newtons has selected Child Welfare Bloemfontein as their charity to benefit from “Red Socks Friday”, Sock Prices are R40.00 for all short socks and R50.00 for knee highs.
Red Socks means something different to everyone but in simple terms the dream is to spread positive energy across the World and connect as many like-minded people, and in doing so support positive movements.
