Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Shoebox Project provides gifts and connections for women in need

Dec 7, 2022 | 4:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — While the holidays are meant to be a joyous time spent with family and friends, many folks don’t get that same experience.

For women experiencing homelessness or who are utilizing a shelter during the holiday season, it can increase feelings of isolation. That’s why the Shoebox Project was started.

“We have some tea, we have some conditioner, some shampoo, some toothpaste,” Taylor Bertoli explains. “You need the chocolate, we have warm socks and macaroons. Things that make people feel special, but also some essentials, as well.”

Each shoebox is stocked with $50 worth of personal items, hygiene items, luxury goods and a little treat for the recipient.

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Bertoli took over coordinating the Shoebox Project at Abbott Wealth Management in 2019. At this time of year, she believes gifts like these can go a long way to ensuring women in need feel connected to their community.

“During the holiday season, for so many people it can be exciting and fun, but for others who may be estranged from their families or fighting homelessness, they can be extremely lonely, and people can oftentimes feel invisible and not heard,” Bertoli says. “I think [the Shoebox Project] is a very powerful way to say, ‘I see you, I support you, you are a part of our community, and you are important.’ I think that’s a very powerful message, especially during the holidays when everybody deserves something.”

You can donate items to fill a shoebox until Friday, December 16. However, monetary donations can be made into the new year and will be used to provide women with items they need.

Bertoli suggests putting together shoeboxes with a group of friends can be a great way to give back and embrace the spirit of the holidays.

“If you don’t know what to get a group of friends for Christmas, and Secret Santa is getting a little bit old, it’s nice to get together, go shopping, and put together a few shoeboxes and make gifts in each other’s honour. That way you’re not purchasing something for your friend, you’re giving back to the community and making a memory out of it.”

For more information or to make a donation, you can visit www.shoeboxproject.ca.