Socks outside home tell story of family’s grief, hope for others
Transcona couple turns their front lawn into a memorial — and a call to action
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At a time of year when many people are putting Halloween decorations on their lawns, Jason Chester and Mylene Layno have hung a string of socks in front of their Transcona home.
There’s an argyle sock with bright yellow and blue patches, a plain black athletic sock and a purple stocking. One sock bears the green, red, yellow and indigo stripes synonymous with the Hudson’s Bay Company, and another is checkered in yellow and black.
The socks — 10 of them in total — show the stylistic choices Chester and Layno’s son, Justice Chester, made from the time he was a teenager until his untimely death at the age of 23.
The display draws attention to Socktober, the annual Main Street Project campaign that aims to collect 30,000 pairs of new socks during the month of October. The downtown non-profit distributes the socks to community members in need.
A sign next to the socks on Chester and Layno’s lawn includes a picture of Justice and an invitation to contribute. There’s a bin where people can leave donations.
The couple and their eldest son have participated in the campaign in Justice’s memory since he died in 2021.
From a young age, Justice felt intensely for people experiencing homelessness and was quick to offer whatever he could to them in their moment of need, Jason Chester says. Whenever the family encountered homelessness, Justice asked why and how it could happen to people.
“We would often respond, ‘These folks are just like all of us and have fallen on hard times for many different reasons, and (they’re) doing everything they can to live their lives with hope,’” Chester says. “We, as a family, wanted to continue Justice’s empathy and kindness for those struggling, and continue to do what our son (and) brother would be doing if he was still here.”
The family promotes the campaign on social media, inviting people to drop off socks, blankets, coats and hygiene products at their home. In the past, the family has also partnered with the elementary and middle schools that Justice attended to promote Socktober.
Volunteer opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Golden Links Lodge needs volunteers who can bring their well-behaved and gentle dogs to interact with some residents. This is an independent opportunity, and the volunteer will not be helped by an employee during the visits. Volunteers must feel comfortable working with the elderly and communicating fluently in English, both written and spoken. They should be able to engage and encourage resident participation with their dogs in a thoughtful and loving manner. The dogs must be up to date with vaccinations, obey basic commands, be comfortable on a leash, and willing to receive plenty of love and attention. The schedule is based on volunteer availability. Apply at wfp.to/iXI, gllbusinessoffice@goldenlinks.mb.ca or 204-257-9947, ext. 221, by Dec. 31.
A & O: Support Services for Older Adults needs volunteers to provide companionship to older adults in the downtown, Seven Oaks, St. James, Elmwood and River East areas through its Connect Program. Volunteers must enjoy conversation and have strong conversational and interpersonal skills. They must commit to at least one hour a week in the morning, afternoon or evening. Apply at volunteer@aosupportservices.ca or 204-956-6440 by Dec. 31.
The Jewish Child & Family Service’s settlement and integration program needs drivers to help with transporting clients from their homes to various programs throughout the city. These clients, primarily older adults, are eager to engage with others and explore new experiences. Volunteers should be committed to ensuring clients safely reach their destinations and be open to connecting with them with patience, care and compassion. Volunteers must have a valid licence, a driver’s abstract and flexible availability. Programs run on weekdays mornings and afternoons, and on some weekends. Apply at wfp.to/iXz or msenden@jcfswinnipeg.org by Dec. 17.
The St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre needs volunteers to serve as directors at large on its board and as members of the finance and audit committee. They are looking for people with experience in law, finance, business or human resources who are interested in contributing their expertise to support the centre’s governance and strategic direction. Apply at director@stjamescentre.com or 204-987-8855 by Jan. 15.
The Transcona Museum needs Remembrance Week exhibition volunteers at Kildonan Place from Nov. 6 to Nov. 11. They will sit and talk to people about the exhibition, hand out information, count visitors, and help with table setup and take down at the start and end of the day. Help is also needed to move items to the museum when the exhibition is over. Apply at wfp.to/iXL by Nov. 12.
Retired teachers are needed to help with programming at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada as volunteer educational tour guides. Licensed teachers lead STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-based programs in the classroom, and the volunteers give guided tours in the galleries. The time commitment is three to six hours per week based on the volunteer’s availability. Email HR@royalaviationmuseum.com by Nov. 15.
The Town of Beausejour’s active transportation committee needs a social-media co-ordinator. This role involves attending about one daytime meeting per month, working with the committee to create content, and keeping social-media platforms up to date. Email mallory@townofbeausejour.com or rondeau@mymts.net by Nov. 30.
The Canadian Red Cross Society needs volunteers in Manitoba for programs such as Smart Start and Disaster Risk Reduction. These roles involve leading sessions on climate change and emergency preparedness, and require effective communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Volunteers might also join the emergency responder and personal disaster assistance teams to help during disasters. Training and background checks are mandatory. This opportunity offers experience in public speaking and crisis management. Send a resumé to SmartStart@RedCross.ca by Dec. 31.
The Manitoba Down Syndrome Society needs social club volunteers. The club offers young people the chance to connect with peers in a fun, informal setting. Volunteers help create inclusive experiences, foster friendships, and promote independence and social confidence. Responsibilities include helping people during activities, encouraging interaction, giving guidance, assisting with event logistics and collaborating with staff members. Experience with Down syndrome is beneficial but not mandatory. Volunteers must complete an orientation and a criminal record check if they are over 18. Apply at wfp.to/iXl by Dec. 31.
Justice was diagnosed with depression at age 13, Chester says. He believes that as a result, Justice felt a connection with people experiencing mental-health challenges.
To clear his mind, Justice often went on long walks that took him downtown. When he encountered people experiencing homelessness, he would share what he had, whether it was a few dollars or a cigarette.
“Justice felt strongly that kindness was his way of giving,” Chester says. “To an extent, he knew the loneliness they felt and wanted to show that someone cared.”
Chester remembers that as a child, Justice was a shy and sensitive boy who was loyal to his friends. He grew into a kind, creative young man who was determined to accomplish what he set out to do. That included playing guitar in Daphne Bleue, a band he formed with three friends.
“His mind and heart were deep with a determination to fully understand the world, humanity and its purpose,” Chester says. “He loved and felt so profoundly with every experience that it touched his spirit and, in turn, inspired his passions.”
Justice died from an intentional drug overdose.
“It was devastating and tragic,” Chester says. “Our solace is the continued value he has contributed to each of our lives.”
Chester and his family are grateful for the family, friends, colleagues and neighbours who contribute to their annual initiatives in support of Socktober.
“Sharing this love in his memory has been our compass through the grief.”
Socktober continues until Friday. Visit mainstreetproject.ca to find out how you can donate socks or make a financial contribution.
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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