NEWS RELEASE
SHOEBOX PROJECT NIAGARA
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It’s that time of year again when Shoebox Project Niagara launches its annual holiday drive, collecting gift-filled shoeboxes for women in Niagara who are experiencing homelessness and accessing programs through supported shelters and agencies. Over the next month, the group of 10 volunteers will be collecting, sorting, packing and distributing gift-filled shoeboxes, with the intent of sharing a little bit of love and encouragement for women in shelters this holiday season. The goal this year is to gift 1,200 boxes to women across the 19 agencies here in Niagara that the chapter supports.
“Every year we’re overwhelmed by the support that we see from our community and are touched by the love and thoughtfulness that people put into their shoebox gifts,” said Jess Boulay, local coordinator for Shoebox Project Niagara. “Every woman has a different story, but the agencies share with us how meaningful these gifts are. We know this small act of kindness can make a huge difference for a woman who may be trying to navigate a challenging time in her life.”
The idea is to assemble a shoebox valued at around $50 with a mix of new every day essential items, such as a toothbrush, shampoo and deodorant, combined with small luxuries like a mascara, hand cream, fuzzy socks and a sweet treat. All boxes include a positive note of encouragement, to help remind recipients that they are special and loved. Boxes can be brought to local drop-off locations across the region, where they will be collected, inspected and distributed to agencies in time for the holidays. Last year, more than 1,100 gifts were donated to local Niagara shelters and agencies. “We have been supported by so many generous businesses, community groups, students and donors each season, who help us meet our target year after year. We’re grateful for the continued support from our community and are hopeful that we’ll be able to meet our target again this season,” said Boulay.
This year’s shoebox drive will run from November 1-30. Last call drop-off is Saturday, Nov. 30 from 12-2 p.m. at the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce office, 80 King St. Unit 3, St. Catharines. There are many exciting ways to get involved and support this year’s fundraising efforts.
- Assemble a gift-filled shoebox and bring it to a local drop-off location. See gifting guidelines.
- Host a shoebox party with your friends or coworkers and assemble your boxes together.
- Support the online auction, running Nov. 18- 29. All proceeds are used to purchase shoebox items.
- Take part in one of the fun events happening in our community to support Shoebox Project Niagara.
More information about Shoebox Project Niagara, drop-off locations and upcoming events can be found at shoeboxproject.ca/chapters/niagara. Questions for our volunteer team can be emailed to [email protected].
Shoebox Project Niagara is a local chapter of the Shoebox Project for Women, which was founded in Toronto in 2011 to provide holiday gift-filled shoeboxes to women in shelters. The registered charity has grown to support more than 620 shelters and community agencies in Canada with a cumulative total of more than 355,000 gifted shoeboxes.
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