Thanks to the generosity of a number of community members and some community grants, Shoebox gifts are being delivered to women in need in Port Hardy/North Island in time for Christmas this year.
Over 55 local women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness will receive gift-filled Shoeboxes or Gift cards valued at $50 this year through the North Island Crisis and Counselling Centre Society. Marina Hargrave, lead for The Shoebox Project in Port Hardy/North Island collected and is distributing the Shoebox gifts to local women.
The goal this year was to provide 100 Shoebox gifts for women in need in the North Island. In Campbell River, about 530 giftfilled Shoeboxes were delivered, meeting the goal in that community.
The women who receive the Shoebox gifts are touched by the generosity of people in the community who they may not even know. It makes a difference, knowing that someone cares especially at this time of year which can be difficult for many.
“We have struggled to provide the requested gifts for women in Port Hardy/North Island since before the pandemic. Fortunately, this year the Port Hardy Rotary Club stepped up with a donation of $1000 allowing us to provide as many Shoebox gifts as possible,” explained Alison Skrepneck, Campbell River local Shoebox Project Coordinator. “As well, we received some funding from the Coastal Community Credit Union and from The Shoebox Project Indigenous Fund based out of Toronto. At least 90 per cent of the women who receive Shoebox gifts in the North Island are Indigenous. We are thankful for this additional financial support for women in the North Island.”
In 2023 with some community donations of Shoeboxes and additional funding, 75 Shoebox gifts were delivered to women in Port Hardy/North Island, out of a requested 120 gifts.
As in the past the Shoebox gifts were valued at $50, but this year the recommendations for what to include in a gift-filled Shoebox was more general and not as prescriptive. Donors were asked to fill their Shoeboxes worth $50 with some daily essentials, several little luxuries, something warm, a $10 gift card to a grocery or drug store, and an inspirational message.
Donors described that it was easier to fill the Shoeboxes this year, as the guidelines allowed for more flexibility and creativity in making their Shoebox.
Thanks to those who supported The Campbell River Shoebox Project this year, and for making a difference for local women who are less fortunate this Holiday Season. Watch for more information next fall. Online donations are graciously accepted for The Campbell River Shoebox Project and can be made year round by visiting The Shoebox Project website at www.shoeboxproject.com, indicating that the donation is for Port Hardy/North Island women.
The Shoebox Project is a registered Canadian charity supporting women experiencing or at-risk-of homelessness or facing other economic and systemic barriers. The mission is to uplift and empower women through in-kind support, education, and community participation.
