Nov. 12 marks the official launch of The Campbell River Shoebox Project’s annual holiday gift drive.
This year’s “Unity is the Heart of Community” campaign invites the public to support women facing homelessness or other economic and systemic barriers. The goal is to empower these women to dream, rebuild their confidence, and embark on new beginnings. The community’s generous donations, whether monetary or in-kind, are crucial in uplifting and empowering women on their journeys.
The women who receive the Shoebox gifts come from diverse backgrounds and face numerous challenges. They may be survivors of domestic violence, have lost their jobs and income, be newcomers to Canada, or be experiencing mental health issues or disabilities. Many have lost the support of their families or communities. These circumstances affect a growing number of women in our community, who once were at risk and now find themselves in vulnerable situations.
Despite these challenges, The Shoebox Project 2023 recipient survey revealed that women who receive a Shoebox gift feel hopeful, joyful, seen, and, most importantly, valued. As Gloria, a past Shoebox recipient and current volunteer, shared, the moment she opened her Shoebox gift, she felt a profound sense of joy and warmth that inspired her resilience.
The Goal for this year is over 500 gift-filled Shoeboxes for women in need in Campbell River and 100 gifts for Port Hardy/North Island. Alison Skrepneck, Local Shoebox Project Coordinator explained there is "more need than ever this year in our community. Some of the agencies have requested more Shoeboxes for 2024, and we will also be delivering Shoeboxes to several new sites including Eagle Harbour and Homewood Transitional Housing.”
Skrepneck goes on to say that the guidelines for creating Shoeboxes has changed a bit this year.
"In the past, the list of suggested items for the Shoeboxes was quite prescriptive, and as prices rose it had become difficult to include all of the suggested items in the Shoeboxes for $50. With some feedback from across the country, the guidelines are now more general and flexible. We are asking donors to create a Shoebox gift worth $50 that any woman would love, including a $10 Gift card, a few daily essentials (eg body lotion, deodorant), some little luxuries (eg a journal & pen, something sweet, hand cream), something warm (eg socks, gloves, hat), and an inspirational message. That’s $40 worth of products and a $10 gift card to a grocery or drug store to equal a gift for a woman worth $50.”
Decorated Shoeboxes (with lid and bottom wrapped separately) valued at $50 including a $10 gift card can be dropped off at one of the following Drop-off Locations between Nov. 12 and Friday, Dec. 6 at:
In Campbell River - Coastal Community Credit Union (Discovery Harbour), La Tee Da Lingerie (Shoppers Row), or Classy Katz Consignment (Willow Point).
In Port Hardy - North Island Crisis & Counselling Centre Society (Beverly Parnham Way).
You can also donate online or create a Virtual Shoebox at www.shoeboxproject.com.
The Shoebox Project for Women has been delivering gifts to local vulnerable women since 2013 in Campbell River and expanded to Port Hardy/North Island in 2017. With the support and generosity of the community, the Shoebox gifts delivered to shelters and outreach agencies last year was valued at $26,650. In 2023 in Campbell River almost 460 Shoeboxes were provided for local women, which was close to the goal. However donations have been down in Port Hardy/North Island since before the pandemic, and even with some additional funding and support, only 75 of the requested 120 Shoebox gifts were delivered.
According to Mental Health Research Canada's 2023 "Women’s Mental Health Report," women, particularly those from equity-deserving groups, are disproportionately struggling with their mental health.
Despite being more likely to seek care, they are less likely to receive the support they need. This gap in care is a significant issue that The Shoebox Project aims to address. Bringing awareness to these disparities can help shape the development of mental health services that better meet the needs of all women, especially those from marginalized communities.
“To further our vision of creating equitable communities where all women are recognized, valued, and treated with dignity and respect, we are working to empower women with knowledge and confidence beyond the effect of a Shoebox gift,” says the new Executive Director, Rosie Smythe, who aims to elevate
the organization in her first year.
The Shoebox Project is a registered Canadian charity supporting women experiencing or at-riskof homelessness or facing other economic and systemic barriers. Its mission is to uplift and empower women -and those who identify as such- through in-kind support, education, and community participation.
