The Better Than Socks Xmas Auction & Dinner organised by not-for-profit SCOOP Foundation is back this year, taking place on Friday, November 12th at The Chocolate Factor on King's Inn Street in Dublin.

Budding bidders are invited to attend the auction and have a chance to win an online drumming lesson with Fontaines D.C.'s Tom Coll, 3 VIP passes to AVA festival in Belfast on June 3rd and 4th, 2022, a walk-on part on RTÉ's Fair City, a selection of luxury Irish fashion items, and more.

Auction attendees will also be treated to a four-course meal by Blás Café and delicious cocktails and lively tunes from the New Brass Kings. Those unable to attend will also be able to bid online through a live stream.

“Better Than Socks is back this year with a physical event, and we’re looking forward to holding our most successful auction yet," says Andy Sweeney, co-founder of SCOOP.

"After the past 18 months, this year’s auction is an opportunity to bring people together to enjoy a beautiful meal, live music and cocktails, while helping to support young, displaced people in camps in Iraq and children and young people living in direct provision here in Ireland.

“Christmas isn’t that far away and it’s time for people to start thinking about Christmas presents and to look for one that’s better than socks! We’re encouraging people to bid on our unique selection of experiences and gifts, which are sure to bring about a few smiles on Christmas morning, while helping to support young people at home and abroad who are suffering.”

Founded by brothers Andy and Calvin Sweeney, SCOOP (Support Children Out of Poverty) was set up in 2009 to support and educate young people at home and abroad.

With backgrounds in social care, DJing, gigging and promoting, and experience of volunteering in the Middle East and Ireland, the Sweeney brothers combine their skills to develop innovative solutions to pressing social issues, particularly young people in camps in Iraq and Syria, young refugees living in direct provision in Ireland, as well as working with other grassroots organisations to respond to the homelessness crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The funds raised through this event will support the ongoing development and delivery of SCOOP Ed. SCOOP Ed provides young Internally Displaced People (IDP’s) living in camps in Iraq and refugees in Direct Provision in Ireland with educational programmes focused around Art, IT, Design, Music, STEM subjects, basic English and mindfulness.

Tickets for the Better than Socks Xmas Auction & Dinner are on sale now for €85, including a 4-course meal, cocktail, house wine on the table, and a seat at the live auction and entertainment. Book your ticket here.