Shoebox Project campaign collecting items until end of November

Shoebox Project Niagara benefits close to 20 organizations in the region, and the annual campaign is underway all month.

The project collects gift-filled shoeboxes for women in Niagara who are experiencing homelessness and accessing programs through supported shelters and agencies, says a news release about the initiative.

The idea is to assemble a shoebox valued at around $50 with a mix of new everyday 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.

Over the next month, a group of 10 volunteers will be collecting, sorting, packing and distributing 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 distribute 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,” added Boulay in the news release.

Fort Erie resident Antonietta Culic has been a volunteer with Shoebox Project Niagara since 2019.

“Shoebox Project Niagara has provided gifts to thousands of women in our region, including many right here in Fort Erie who are supported by one of our local agencies,” said Culic.

This year’s campaign will support three organizations in Greater Fort Erie: Community Outreach Program Erie (COPE), Casa El Norte, and the Niagara Chapter of Native Women.

“We’re so grateful for the generosity and support we receive from our local community. Through shoebox-filled gifts, we’re able to spread kindness and compassion, and show recipients that they are part of a community that cares about them,” Culic told Fort Erie Radio.

Shoeboxes 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 shoeboxes 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 through to the end of November. Those wishing to assemble a gift-filled shoebox locally can drop it off at Bridges Community Health Centre on Garrison Road until November 29.

There is also an online auction starting November 18 at shoeboxproject.ca, the proceeds of which will be used to purchase shoebox supplies.

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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