Help fill a shoebox for those in need

Winnipeg

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This article was published 08/11/2023 (712 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If good things come in small packages, then the Manitoba Shoebox Project is testament to that saying.

Since 2011, what began as a small-scale, grassroots way to help women has blossomed into a registered Canadian charity with over 45 volunteer-driven local chapters across the country. The annual Holiday Shoebox Drive campaign begins Nov. 13 and runs until Dec. 11.

The local chapter was founded by Eva Whitmore in 2013, and the Shoebox Project has been making a positive difference in the lives of Manitoba women ever since. Through the collection and distribution of gift-filled shoeboxes and messages of support, the goal is to share kindness and compassion with local women affected by homelessness.

The essence of the campaign is encouraging community members to collect $50 worth of items to fill shoeboxes, which are then decorated and distributed to women staying in shelters throughout the province during the holiday season.

Nina Migalski and Lindsay Flint are the local co-ordinators of the Shoebox Project, and this is the first year for both.

Friends for over 20 years, and colleagues at Walmart Canada, the women were looking for different ways to support the community.

“Supporting women has been top-of-mind throughout my career,” said Flint, who works with the Women in Retail program within Walmart.

“We are passionate about lifting women up across Manitoba so they can reach their career goals,” Flint added, noting that the work of the Shoebox Project strongly aligns with her own values.

“For Nina, it’s similar. She works hard within Manitoba to further careers of women within our company. She grew up in a low-income family situation. She and her siblings received Christmas gifts from the Cheer Board and noticed that her mother didn’t receive any gifts.”

Both Flint and Migalski are grateful to past co-ordinator Alex Todd, who retired recently after being involved with the Shoebox Project’s Manitoba chapter for 10 years. Todd and her predecessor, Whitmore, who led the initiative between 2013 and 2017, managed to gather solid resources over the years, including dedicated volunteers, strong connections with local agencies and meticulously organized files.

There are different ways people can contribute — through fundraising, online donations, and by purchasing products for shoeboxes. People can even create virtual shoeboxes by donating $50.

With over 30 volunteers, the Manitoba Shoebox Project is always looking for ways to expand its reach. The group is connecting with agencies and shelters, and looking to build a broader network and a steady stream of monetary donations so it can continue to connect with more women.

Since 2014, the Winnipeg/Manitoba chapter has delivered 10,936 shoeboxes worth $546,800, plus $89,026 worth of additional gifts (gift cards, beauty products, face masks, toiletries, winter accessories, and other items), for a total of $635,826.

“The shoeboxes are well-received,” Flint said. “The women look forward to that, and they’re really appreciative of the thoughtfulness about it, which includes personalized notes. We’ve added gender neutral shoeboxes this year to be more inclusive for individuals in shelters.”

The Shoebox Project accepts monetary donations to build additional shoeboxes to be able to meet the demand requests from the shelters across Manitoba.

Drop-off locations will include eight Winnipeg Public Library branches, as well as Headingley Municipal Library. The Winnipeg branches are Henderson, Transcona, Louis Riel, St. James, Pembina Trail, Westwood, Osborne and Millennium. You can also drop items off at Pilates Manitoba (836aCorydon Ave.).

For more information on how to make a shoebox or host a shoebox-building event, visit shoeboxproject.ca or contact winnipeg@shoeboxproject.com