Supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities: Purple Sock Day 2024

IDPD is a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the rights and well-being of disabled people across all aspects of society.
Abbie Armstrong
29th November 2024

Tuesday 3rd December is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the rights and well-being of disabled people across all aspects of society. At CareLineLive, we’re proud to once again support this global initiative with the simple yet impactful act of wearing purple socks.

Why purple socks?

Purple Sock Day, launched by disability lifestyle brand Parallel, is more than a fashion statement. It’s a powerful movement aimed at raising awareness of disability inclusion and supporting deaf, disabled and neurodiverse entrepreneurs. Proceeds from the sales of these sustainable bamboo socks—designed by BAM Clothing go directly to the Parallel Fund. This fund provides essential grants, mentoring, professional advice and networking opportunities to help disabled entrepreneurs kickstart or grow their businesses.

Our personal connection

At CareLineLive, this cause is particularly close to our hearts. Our founder, Josh Hough, has a rare muscle condition called Minicore Myopathy, a disability that hasn’t stopped him from building a thriving business that now serves home care agencies in the UK, Ireland and Australia. Josh’s story is a testament to resilience and the belief that barriers can be overcome with determination and support.

Josh shared:

“I’m proud to support International Day of Disabled Persons and initiatives like Purple Sock Day. Living with Minicore Myopathy has its challenges, but I’ve always believed in proving doubters wrong and achieving success. It’s important to inspire and support other disabled entrepreneurs, showing them that they too can break through barriers and thrive.”

 

The impact of Purple Sock Day

Wearing purple socks isn’t just symbolic- it creates real change. Parallel Founder, Andrew Douglass, highlighted the need for more robust support for disabled entrepreneurs, saying:

“Disabled entrepreneurs, like Josh, bring immense value to the UK economy, but they need greater support to unlock their potential. Purple Sock Day is a step towards creating that support while raising awareness for disability inclusion.”

 

How you can get involved?

  1. Purchase a pair of Purple Socks: 50% of proceeds go to the Parallel Fund to support disabled entrepreneurs
  2. Wear your socks proudly on 3rd December (and beyond)
  3. Share on social media: Post a photo, tag @ParallelLifestyle and @CareLineLive and use the hashtag #PurpleSockDay to spread the word

By joining this campaign, you’re helping to celebrate the contributions of disabled people and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs who might otherwise face systemic barriers. Let’s come together to make a difference this International Day of Disabled Persons. Grab your socks, share your support and show that we’re united in breaking down barriers!

Learn more about Purple Sock Day and grab your socks HERE!

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