Annual Shoebox Project gives the gift of hope to women in need in Muskoka

The Shoebox Project, local Muskoka chapter, has launched its ninth annual Shoebox drive, collecting gift-filled care packages for women in need.

The Shoebox Project is a volunteer-run registered Canadian charity whose mission is to uplift and empower women experiencing, or at-risk-of, homelessness, through in-kind support, education, and community participation.

A Shoebox is a personally crafted gift that contains a mix of essential everyday items and small luxuries for women. A Shoebox inspires hope, resilience, and belonging, and serves as a powerful reminder for a woman that she remains a valued and respected member of her community.

This year, the Shoebox Project aims to distribute 1,500 shoeboxes throughout Muskoka.

“With your support, we aim to brighten the holidays for every vulnerable woman in our community,” said Heather Scott, local co-ordinator. “Your generosity boosts their self-confidence, restores their dignity, and reminds them they're not alone. We're deeply thankful for your help in making this possible.”

To participate, donors are asked to fill and wrap a standard-sized shoebox with approximately $50 worth of gifts for women. Items may include gift cards, toiletries, cosmetics, snacks, accessories, or self-care items. Donors are also asked to include a card or note with a kind greeting for the recipient. Shoeboxes must be unsealed for inspection (top and bottom wrapped separately) and not have any exterior decorations.

Alternatively, donors may create a Virtual Shoebox online.

Shoeboxes will be delivered to a local women’s shelter or community agencies serving vulnerable women in time for the holidays. All Shoeboxes collected in Muskoka will be distributed to women within the local community.

Shoeboxes will be accepted until Dec. 1, and can be dropped off at the following locations in Muskoka: Becker Shoes (Bracebridge, Huntsville), Katalyst Brewing Company in Bracebridge, Muskoka Lakes Public Library in Port Carling, Muskoka Natural Food Market in Bracebridge, Muskoka Paint and Decorating in Bracebridge, Pampered By The Bay in Gravenhurst, and Royal LePage (Bracebridge, Huntsville).

In 2022, the Shoebox Project delivered more than $2.3 million worth of gifts to local women impacted by homelessness. Since 2011, the Shoebox Project has provided gifts to more than 285,000 women across Canada, donated $1.9 million worth of gift cards and essential products, and annually supported more than 620 shelters and community agencies serving women, girls, and gender-diverse people.