Sending hope for the holidays in a shoebox

East Winnipeg

West Winnipeg

Little things mean a lot, it’s often said, and that’s certainly the case for the Manitoba chapter of the Shoebox Project for Women.

Shoebox is an unaffiliated, non-religious, registered Canadian charity which supports women experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

It has chapters across the nation and aims to celebrate diversity, build awareness, challenge stigma, and promote equity through the collection and distribution of gift-filled shoeboxes and messages of support.

This year’s local fundraising initiative for the Shoebox Project kicked off on Nov. 17, and will run until Dec. 12. Drop-off locations include the Winnipeg public libraries at 1050 Henderson Hwy.; 1168 Dakota St; 251 Donald St.; 625 Osborne St.; 2724 Pembina Hwy.; 1910 Portage Ave.; and 66 Allard Ave.

Donations will also be accepted at Headingley Library (49 Alboro St.); as well as the Pilates Manitoba locations at 836 Corydon Ave. and 897 Dorchester Ave. (prospective donors are asked to text 204-999-9984 before dropping items off at Pilates Manitoba).

Lindsay Flint, joint co-ordinator, with Nina Migalski, of the Manitoba chapter of the Shoebox Project, said the initiative is all about community helping community.

“What we’d like to highlight this year is that the project is essentially built upon women, and we had to shift gears during the pandemic,” Flint said, who added that about 850 shoeboxes were donated last year.

“The economy has been tough for people, and this year we’re focused on giving back to the community more than ever.

“Bear in mind the price of groceries and gas, and we’ve heard from donors it’s hard to provide extra while they’ve been struggling elsewhere, but they know how important this project is,” she added.

As the project’s name suggests, donors are invited to fill shoeboxes with items totalling approximately $50. Oft-requested items include necessities such as deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as one or two small luxury items such as a journal or warm socks. All items must fit inside a shoebox so, while bulkier things such as shampoo and conditioner are welcome, full-sized bottles may take up too much space.

People donating shoeboxes are also encouraged to include a simple card or note, Flint said.

“Based on our feedback, these have been really appreciated.”

She added that because intake at women’s shelters remains high, drives such as the shoebox project continue to meet a need.

“This brings a little bit of normality and happiness during the holiday season,” Flint said, noting that certain items — such as razors and alcohol-based items — aren’t accepted in the shoeboxes.

Visit www.shoeboxproject.ca/chapters/manitoba for more information.