2020 Holiday Gift Drive for Durham

Thank you to everyone who supported our Virtual Shoebox Drive in 2020! We are so grateful that we were able to provide gifts to local women impacted by homelessness during this particularly difficult time.

The drive is now over until next holiday season, but you can support our efforts all year long! 

Here's how you can help in the off-season:
100% of your donation will go toward purchasing gift cards and essentials for local women impacted by homelessness.
Questions? Email us at durham@shoeboxproject.com 

Homelessness in Durham Region

67 weeks

Families and singles experiencing domestic violence have a wait of just over a year to receive permanent affordable housing.

38%

38% of female homeless youth have been victims of sexual or emotional assault (2010).

175%

The average length of stay for families in shelters increased to 35 days in 2013 from 20 days in 2012, a 175% increase.

       Durham Region Local Coordinators 

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Sadhna Persaud
My name is Sadhna Persaud,
​a Registered Practical Nurse working within the Mental Health system in Durham Region. I have been an active member with The Shoebox Project since 2017 as a lead volunteer and now excited to take on the role as the Local Coordinator for Durham Region. As a Whitby native, I am looking forward to working with local businesses and volunteers that share the common interest of making a difference in the lives of homeless women in our community
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Tanya Moore
My name is Tanya and I began volunteering with the Shoebox Project in 2018.  I have worked in the dental and pharmaceutical fields for 25 years and currently manage a division for a Canadian Dental Company.  Like many others who volunteer, I feel it is important to give back.  My kids are almost adults now so I feel it is my time in life to support our community at a larger level.  I assisted Sadhna, our lead volunteer during my first 2 years in helping coordinate the holiday project and last year we increased the number of boxes collected to almost 500 for our region.  We have decided to officially team up this year to lead the Durham chapter together.  I very much look forward to working with local businesses to help support women in need and this worthy and important cause.

Our Shoeboxes go to Women Accessing the Following Agencies:

Bethesda House
Dr. Roz's Healing Place
Heriozen House
Muslim Welfare
Renascent Treatment Centre - Paul J. Sullivan House  
The Denise House
YWCA Durham

Many thanks to our generous sponsors

Make a Shoebox

Each Shoebox is special and made unique with your personal touch. It's fun and rewarding and every Shoebox helps a woman experiencing homelessness remember that she is loved and valuable.

Become an Organizer

Making a Shoebox is a great activity to do with your friends, family, coworkers, or any other group of people in your life! Host a party and do something good. Every Shoebox counts!

Corporate Donations

Items or in-kind donations are gladly accepted and will be used to fill even more Shoeboxes. If your company would like to donate, please contact us. 

Spread the Word

We need help to spread the word in your community. Please consider giving us a shout out or sharing what you're doing on social media. It really helps!