Project Shoebox helps women impacted by homelessness

By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 30, 2024.

Herald photo by Toyin Obatusin Local coordinator Helen Thompson shows one of the many ready made shoeboxes as part of this year's Shoebox Project for Women campaign.

The Shoebox Project for Women is a program focused on giving back and helping a community of less fortunate women feel seen, valued and treated with dignity and compassion.

Local coordinator Helen Thompson, who moved to Lethbridge back in the winter of 2020, is reaching out to invite community members to fill a shoebox.

The Canadian charity founded in Toronto back in 2011 by four sisters-in-law, supports women and those who identify as gender diverse and are going through homelessness. The Project “celebrates diversity, builds awareness, challenges stigma and promotes equity.”

This Christmas season the Shoebox Project is asking Lethbridge to fill up shoeboxes with at least $50 worth of products and a sweet note of support. You can find the list for donations at shoeboxproject.ca/how-to-make-a-shoebox.

Volunteers will deliver these gifts to local shelters and community agencies impacted by homelessness and addiction. There is also an option to donate a shoebox virtually.

Local chapter coordinators network with shelters and agencies to understand their needs and the needs of their clients to determine what they may require in terms of support and gifts.

The Lethbridge Shoebox Project will be benefiting Harbour House, YWCA and Streets Alive.

“I hope eventually to be able to expand to other organizations that are helping women who are on the edge of being homeless. With today’s financial situation for women, the risk of losing the roof over our head is greater than ever. It could be any of us in that position. Age doesn’t matter either.” explained Thompson in an interview.

All shoeboxes are inspected, and if required, staff will add additional items to the box to make sure that every box is similar in monetary value and size. Once inspections are done, the shoeboxes are then delivered to local shelters and agencies for them to distribute to their clients.

In 2023, there were a total of 68 shoeboxes donated to the project, and right now there are currently 47 donated shoeboxes. Although donations are open until Dec. 15, any late drop-offs will happily be received by the organization and distributed.