6 Reasons to Start a Shoebox Project Chapter This Year!

We believe that one person can make a difference.  This year, that person could be YOU!

Want to bring The Shoebox Project to your community? Not sure what that would mean? 

At The Shoebox Project, we believe that a small gesture can make a big difference. In our short five years, we've expanded from just one chapter delivering 400 Shoeboxes to more than 35 chapters across Canada and the US, delivering almost 25,000 Shoeboxes in 2015!

​We're often asked how we've grown so quickly - honestly, it is due to the passion and drive of our volunteers. We can't open a new chapter until we have a Local Coordinator on board. Each of these chapters was founded by and exists because of someone who chose to dedicate their time and energy to bringing The Shoebox Project to their community.  

6 Reasons to Start a Shoebox Chapter:

​1. Giving Back Feels Good - Many of our donors say they feel as though their small gesture of kindness has an immediate and positive impact on the woman receiving the Shoebox. Mary Chisholm, Local Coordinator in Halifax, NS, said "I always enjoy hearing just how much the Shoeboxes are appreciated and seeing the look of pure happiness of the faces of the shelter directors when they are delivered. It is so heart-warming to see the positive impact of The Shoebox Project first hand."

2. Learn More About Your Community - When a person makes the effort to assemble a gift for a woman living in or accessing a shelter, it brings to mind the challenges she may be facing and the many obstacles to overcome. The Shoebox Project is committed to raising awareness of the contributing factors of homelessness. You might be surprised as you begin to learn about the reality of some of the most vulnerable people in your community.

​"We were inundated with so many meaningful stories surrounding the creation and giving of Shoeboxes. We had families get together to contribute, there were groups of friends who created Shoeboxes instead of giving each other gifts, there was even one story of a little girl who got up in front of her church to tell of her gift to The Shoebox Project who actually started crying when she spoke of the women who would be receiving her box.  Also, we got to see how an amazing company like Bareburger is able to sustain such an incredible sense of energy and optimism at all levels. We've met new friends and have been in touched in many meaningful ways through this experience. Also, it's enlightened us as to the reality behind homelessness in our city and has motivated us to do even more in the years to come."  - Verunka Vlkova-Fierro, NYC Coordinator 

 3.  Foster Community Engagement and Volunteerism -  ​Our local coordinators rely on their own teams of volunteers to help make each Shoebox drive a reality. They are frequently overwhelmed by the generosity of the wider community and report making new friends with fellow volunteers in the process. Libby Ward in Norfolk County, ON, said that "seeing the outpouring of support from family, friends, co-workers, organizations and companies" was the best part of coordinating the 2015 drive.

​Over the years, we've had tremendous support from all ages and demographics! We love to hear so many stories of Girl Guides, schools, seniors residences, and sports teams, who come together to make a BIG difference during the holidays. We also have partnered with large corporations, local businesses, and university groups, to help them get involved and give back to their community in a fun and unique way.

​​4.  Help Local, At-Risk Women  -  Local Coordinators and their team of volunteers know they are able to make a tangible difference in the lives of many women in their community. People sometimes wonder what they can do to assist those who are going through a difficult time. The Shoebox Project empowers local communities to remind vulnerable women that they are valued, loved, and worthy of a "little luxury." ​

Shoebox recipients have reported feeling overwhelmed and astonished at the outpouring of support they receive from their community as part of The Shoebox Project. This validation and encouragement goes a long way during a particularly lonely and vulnerable time.

5. Support Community Shelters and Resource Centres - Women's shelters and organizations generally have limited resources and a tight budget. As the holidays approach, they are always delighted to hear that they don't need to worry about providing gifts for their clients because The Shoebox Project will take care of it! They are then able to spend their funds on other necessary things. 

"We're pretty remote and with a limited resource base for donations. The Shoebox Project means a world of difference to us. Our shelter tries to provide one gift per client on our own, but we never know what our occupancy will be. The Shoebox gifts for our Second stage and residential clients fill our tree and really creates a picture of hope and generosity. Thank-you so much!!!!"
​-Dawna Pritchard, Executive Director, Aurora House & My Sister's House, The Pas, MB

6. It's So Much Fun! At the end of the day, our coordinators enjoy the holidays even more as they take time to give back. With new friends, new stories, and new traditions, the holidays are fuller for the Shoebox recipients AND the Shoebox volunteers!

So you want to get more involved? Start a new chapter? Have a Question?

If you're as excited about The Shoebox Project as we are, learn more about the role of our Local Coordinators and apply online. We are always interested to connect with potential new volunteers! If you're not sure if there's a chapter close to you, check our list of locations. Our current chapters are usually in need of more volunteers, we'd love for you to connect with them and work together. ​We're always available to hear your ideas or answer any questions, feel free to contact us!