KAWARTHA LAKES- A group of local volunteers is getting ready to deliver gifts of “little luxuries” to local women in need.
The Shoebox Project for Shelters, Supported by Dream, is once again collecting donations for their Shoebox gift drive, benefitting local women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The idea is simple: pack a shoebox full gift items that would help any woman feel special, drop it off before December 20th and The Shoebox Project volunteers will deliver it to a local women’s shelter or community organization in time for the holidays.
“The need is great in our community.” says Coordinator Pamela VanMeer. ” 46 households in Kawartha Lakes identified as experiencing homelessness in 2018 according to a report done by the City. That’s five families, 35 adults and six children between 16 and 24 years old.”
A Place Called Home – Lindsay
Victoria’s Womens Shelter – Lindsay
Amy’s Next Step Housing – Fenelon Falls
Due to overwhelming support our extra boxes were delivered to the YWCA in Peterborough.
In 2015, there were almost 2000 requests for financial assistance from those who are homeless or on the brink of homelessness in the City of Kawartha Lakes and there were more than 1000 households waiting for social or affordable housing in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
The Shoebox Project for Shelters, supported by Dream, collects and distributes gifts in the form of shoeboxes to women who are homeless or at high risk of homelessness. Each Shoebox is filled with items valued at 50 dollars that any can enhance self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation for a woman in crisis.
Founded in 2011 by Caroline, Jessica, Katy and Vanessa Mulroney, The Shoebox Project now delivers over 36,000 gifts annually to hundreds of communities across North America.
For drop off locations and ideas for putting together a box you can visit:http://www.shoeboxproject.com/kawartha.html
