The Shoebox Project for women impacted by homelessness in Campbell River and Port Hardy/North Island is launching a new campaign this holiday season.
The initiative, called Secure Her Tomorrow, aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for sustainable support for women experiencing homelessness and financial instability.
According to a release from the Shoebox Project, the Secure Her Tomorrow campaign comes at a critical time in Canada, as the housing crisis continues to deepen, leaving many women and children without a safe place to call home.
“This campaign is about more than meeting immediate needs,” says Rosie Smythe, executive director of the Shoebox Project. “It’s about working alongside community agencies to give women a genuine opportunity for stability. Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, we’re able to provide shoebox gifts, health and wellness resources, and—through our volunteers and community drives—a powerful reminder that compassion and hope can shape a brighter future.”
The non-profit has supported women in need in Campbell River by providing gift-filled shoeboxes valued at $50 since 2013. The project expanded to the North Island in 2017.
“To help increase donations of gift-filled shoeboxes, we are really encouraging more groups of friends and co-workers to get together and create shoeboxes for local women in need,” said Alison Skrepneck, local Shoebox Project co-ordinator. “It’s a meaningful way to spend time with your friends or co-workers while doing something for those who are less fortunate.”
Donors are asked to create a shoebox gift worth $50, including a $10 gift card to a grocery or drug store, a few daily essentials, some small luxuries, something warm and an inspirational message.
“Sometimes we think we’re all alone in the world and having this experience gave me hope and helped me realize I am cared about and matter,” a local shoebox recipient stated. “The message is still in my car.”
This year, the Shoebox Project aims to hand out 500 gift-filled shoeboxes in Campbell River and 100 in the North Island.
