Our Story
About Us
Two highschool students from Perth District Collegiate Institute, in Perth, Ontario, Liam Cunniffe and Penny Patterson came together with a shared idea to make an impact in their community. They both feel a passion towards helping the less fortunate, so with their free time they decided to take action. They created Warm Steps, a non-profit organization who collect new socks and money donations to give towards homeless shelters in the Lanark County / Ottawa regions.
Our Mission
To donate socks to homeless shelters, offering a small but essential source of relief to those experiencing homelessness. Through our collective efforts, we strive to improve the lives of the less fortunate.
Our Vision
Make a positive impact on homeless populations surrounding our community.
Liam
Liam Cunniffe is a grade 12 honor roll student athlete at PDCI with a heart for helping homeless populations. He is heavily involved in school activities, such as being the 2023-2024 student body co-president, athlete on the volleyball, basketball, badminton and soccer teams, as well as maintaining a high standard with his marks. He has spent time in the past in different volunteer positions, such as a U13 soccer coach, camp counselor, TeamPlayer hockey coach and more. He looks to use these leadership roles to help him along his journey as the co-founder of Warm Steps.
One day after a soccer game in Ottawa, Liam passed by a man asking for donations. Wanting to help, Liam stopped by a bagel store and bought him food for the day. The man lit up when receiving the bagels, and the joy that Liam had given him resonated throughout his childhood and teens. This turned out to be the moment Liam opened his eyes to homelessness, and this experience brought about a desire to help a bigger population.
Penny
Penny is a grade 12 honor roll student at PDCI in Perth, Ontario. She is a natural leader and is passionate about athletics, business, and working with children. She spent 10 years as a competitive gymnast and enjoyed taking on the role of coaching young athletes. Penny is currently a competitive dancer at Omnes Arts Circle taking a variety of dance styles and loves to teach the next generation. She enjoys running and competes on the PDCI Cross Country team. She is a member of the 2023-24 PDCI student council in the role of treasurer as well as managing the PDCI Athletics social media page.
In Penny’s part-time job, she has seen the impact of clothing donations to the less fortunate and the community. Witnessing this impact from a young age formed Penny’s empathetic and giving nature. Penny is committed and excited to co-found Warm Steps with Liam and provide a small token of comfort to those who need a helping hand.
