Big compassion in a box

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This article was published 04/12/2024 (584 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Organizers of the Manitoba chapter of the Shoebox Project for Women are inviting people to lend a helping hand.

The project is an unaffiliated, non-religious, registered Canadian charity which supports women who are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness. It boasts chapters across the nation and aims to celebrate diversity, build awareness, challenge stigma, and promote equity through the collection and distribution of gift-filled shoeboxes and messages of support.

“This is a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts,” said Lindsay Flint, joint co-ordinator of the Manitoba chapter, along with Nina Migalski.

“Personally speaking, I want to give back to the community. I have a daughter, and I think it’s important to raise up women in the community,” Flint added. “This is something I’m passionate about, and I really want to set that example for my daughter.”

Shoebox recipients tend to be women staying in local shelters during the holiday season, and the Manitoba chapter deals with more than 30 agencies across the province. Significantly, organizers are now extending the initiative’s reach to non-binary people, Flint said.

The project’s website states: “When we use the term women, we use it in an inclusive manner and are mindful of the diverse and intersecting identities of the people who we support.”

Flint said the shoeboxes are personally crafted gifts that contain a mix of everyday essential items and small luxuries a woman might like.

Items could include body wash, deodorant, hair care, or lip balm; and luxuries such as hand cream, a journal and pen, makeup and nail polish.

Seasonal items including gloves, hats and scarves, socks, and umbrellas are also appreciated, and a handwritten message of support, whether a card or a note, often makes the recipients feel special and valued.

Gift cards worth $10 or $15 are also good additions to the shoeboxes, and are always gratefully received, Flint said.

Donations will be accepted until Dec. 13, and there are a number of local drop-off points.

These include Winnipeg Public Libraries across the city, including: Henderson Library (1050 Henderson Hwy.); Louis Riel Library (1168 Dakota St.); Pembina Trail Library (2724 Pembina Hwy.); St. James-Assiniboia Library (1910 Portage Ave.); Transcona Library (1 Transcona Blvd.); and Westwood Library (66 Allard Ave.).

“This is about uplifting women in their time of need, and gibing back to the community,” Flint said, noting 940 shoeboxes were donated last year. “Our ongoing goal is to support more women.”

There are also certain items that shouldn’t be included in a shoebox donation, organizers say.

Visit www.shoeboxproject.ca/chapters/manitoba for more information.