Today is one of my favourite days of the entire year: Giving Tuesday (#givingtuesday). Giving Tuesday falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States, and is hailed as “a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world”! So in honour of this important day, I want to draw your attention to a worthy cause and educate you all on how you can help us make a meaningful impact on our community this winter and put a smile on the faces of those who need it most.
This Christmas, The Vancouver Laser and Skin Care Centre is working with The Shoebox Project to help Vancouver women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Shoebox gifts go to women who have been displaced from their home and estranged from their families. As you can imagine, special occasions can be especially challenging for these women as they often feel disconnected from society, invisible and alone. A shoebox gift is a powerful reminder that they are not alone nor forgotten and that they are loved.
Our goal this year is 200 boxes! With your help, we can give these women a Christmas they will always remember for years to come. Please note that donations will be accepted until December 15th.
What is The Shoebox Project?
The Shoebox project is a registered charity that collects and distributes gift filled shoeboxes to local woman impacted by homelessness across Canada, the U.S, and the U.K. It has always been, an unaffiliated, non-religious charity that celebrates diversity, stands firmly against racism and challenges oppression in all its forms.
Their note on gender: “when we use the term women, we are using it in an inclusive manner and are mindful of the diverse and intersecting identities of the people who access our services”
Who started The Shoebox Project?
The Shoebox Project was founded in 2011 in Toronto, Ontario Canada by the Mulroney sisters (Jessica, Caroline, Vanessa, and Katy)!
What is their mission?
Their vision is to create a world where all women are seen, valued, and treated with dignity and compassion.
Who do they serve?
Includes but is not limited to:
– Community service agencies that serves women who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
-Shelters serving families; individuals who identify as women, transgender or non-binary; seniors; youth; refugees; adults living with disabilities; pregnant and parenting youth; and more
-Immigrant, refugee & newcomer welcome programs
-Community health centres
-Indigenous friendship centres
-Food & clothing banks
-Supportive & transitional housing programs
-Homeless outreach services and drop-ins
-Employment support services
-Mental health and addiction services
-First Nations reserves
Suggested Items to Include:
What NOT to Include:
-Used goods and hotel samples
-Sized clothing (i.e. S, M, L, XL)
-Mouthwash or hand-sanitizers containing alcohol
-Bubble bath or bath bombs
-Candles
-Foundations or concealers
-Razors
-Jumbo-sized containers
-Books
-Feminine hygiene products
-Anything opened or not packaged
Cash Donations
If you would prefer to give a cash donation, we are accepting cash donations in denominations of $15, $25, $50! (There is an envelope labelled “Shoe Box Foundation” conveniently located at our reception desk.)
What impact will I make?
The last time The City of Vancouver conducted a count on homelessness in Vancouver was back in 2020, and it revealed that 2,095 residents identified as homelessness, 547 people were living on the street, and 1,548 were living in shelters.
I encourage you all to read this article I found about Katrina Fleming, and think of how your shoebox gift will bring joy to women like her all across Vancouver. We may not be able to change the situation overnight, but we can still make an important impact (make them smile and feel loved) in time for Christmas.
Thank you on behalf of everyone here at The Vancouver Laser and Skin Care Centre!
If you have any questions about how you can contribute to the Shoebox Project, please call us at 604.708.9891 or send us an email at [email protected]!
Also, please check out local Vancouver blogger Miss 604’s post: https://miss604.com/2021/11/christmas-adopt-a-family-metro-vancouver-2021.html for more amazing ideas on how you can support your community this winter!
