The Shoebox Project’s 2024 holiday campaign launched on Friday at Sober Sips on Dunlop Street West in Barrie, with a goal of filling 1,500 shoeboxes this season.
The 100 per cent volunteer-run charity helps to empower women, gender-diverse individuals, and Indigenous communities.
With community participation, the shoebox gift is simple: Put together a box with about $50 worth of items that can help someone experiencing homelessness.
Donors are encouraged to include a personal message of support or a warm greeting to make the gift even more special.
“We try to help make a difference in the holiday season for women who are vulnerable, whether they are either homeless or at risk of homelessness,” local coordinator Samira Rashidian-Zadeh said at the beginning of the event Friday night.
The local Shoebox Project chapter collects donations for the areas of Alliston, Barrie, Bradford, Collingwood, Innisfil, Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Midland, Ramara, Severn, and Wasaga Beach.
Shannon Murree, a board member with the organization, calls the campaign a gentle reminder that these women are not forgotten at this time of year.
“Personally, this event is an opportunity to be able to give back to those who are homeless or at risk,” she said. “So many people are facing adversity … and what I love about this charity is it’s an opportunity to be able to give back and to help empower them by way of a shoebox.”
More information about the campaign, how to get involved and what items to include in a donation can be found at the Shoebox Project website.
