Dare to be Different in Support of Autism on Different Socks Day at Beijing Kerry Centre, Dec 23

The end of 2020 has arrived in the blink of an eye and while there’s no denying that it’s been a tough year for all of us, there have been plenty of moments of joy and kindness, too. This year has also been an important reminder to do our best to help out those in need around us, and while large-scale charitable events might be off the cards, there is still plenty we can do. We can even find inspiration in the smallest of everyday objects, even our own socks.

Here at the end of 2020, Beijing Kerry Centre is honored to be a partner of WABC Charity Foundation and its annual event in support of people with autism, Different Socks Day. Held every year on Dec 23, Different Socks Day was initiated by WABC in 2016. The event is designed to increase public awareness of autism and other neurological conditions and the ways their lives are different by "wearing mismatched socks,” with the aim of arousing more public empathy and striving to create a pluralistic, integrated, and friendly society. According to the Report on the Development of the Autism Education and Rehabilitation Industry in China, it is thought that there are more than 10 million people with autism in China, of which more than 2 million are aged 0-14 years. Since its inception, more than 10 countries and 10 regions have taken part in Different Socks Day, reaching tens of millions of people around the world.

In preparation for this year’s event, in early December Beijing Kerry Centre sent out a call for people to take part in a Different Socks Day promotional video. The response was overwhelming, and you can see the results below:

As part of the event, people are also encouraged to share photos of their mismatched socks on social media platforms such as WeChat, Weibo, RED (xiaohongshu), and Dianping with hashtag #错袜日，勇敢不一样# (#Different Socks Day, dare to be different#) and tag Beijing Kerry Centre @北京嘉里中心官博 and WABC @WABC无障碍艺途. The most popular photo will receive a special reward. 

It’s not just online promotion. Beijing Kerry Centre has prepared a whole range of offline activities for this year’s Different Sock Day. Head over to the Kerry Centre Shopping Mall wearing your mismatched socks and you can enjoy exclusive discounts and special surprise gifts throughout the day. For example, customers who wear mismatched socks will get happy hour prices (RMB 10 off) on beer and cocktails at Jing-A on Dec 23; 20% off house-made products at Croissant Village from Dec 23-26; and a complimentary cup of honey-yuzu tea at RE from Dec 23-26 (the above offers are only available at Kerry Centre outlets).

Dec 23 will also be the opening day of a special Christmas Charity Market. A portion of the proceeds from the market will be donated to WABC to help them provide support for autistic children and their families, so you can pick up your Christmas shopping and do some good in the process!

Noted tap dancer Mr. Zhu Haifeng and his dance troupe have also been invited to perform a dance flash mob. Catch them at 12.20pm in the lobby of the Beijing Kerry Centre Office Building and 12.45pm at the B1 level of Beijing Kerry Centre Shopping Mall. Come kick it with them!

On Dec 24, from 12.30-1.30pm, Beijing Kerry Centre is also teaming up with Lululemon for a Mistmatched Socks Fitness Party, your chance to sweat it out in the name of charity. The class, which will be held at the B1 level of Beijing Kerry Centre Shopping Mall, is free to attend. Simply add “BKCkefuxiaojia” on WeChat to register but be quick about it — spots are limited to just 30 people. People who register in advance will get a pair of mismatched socks from Beijing Kerry Centre and Lululemon but if you want to join in on the day, all you have to do is wear your own mismatched socks. 

See a full rundown of all the Different Socks Day happenings at Beijing Kerry Centre below (in Chinese).

Scan the QR code below to follow Beijing Kerry Centre on WeChat and stay up-to-date with the latest info about the event.

Giveaway! Win one of 10 Greybox Coffee vouchers

Beijing Kerry Centre has 10 vouchers for Greybox Coffee giveaway, worth RMB 38 each. To be in with a chance of winning, simply email robynnetindall@thebeijinger.com with your name, mobile number, and delivery address in Chinese — the first 10 people to email will be chosen in order. Giveaway closes 6pm on Monday, Dec 21.

Images: courtesy of Beijing Kerry Centre