The Campbell River Shoebox project wrapped up for the holidays.
Hundreds of local women are enjoying shoebox gifts, all thanks to members of the Campbell River and North Island communities.
Over 550 gift-filled shoeboxes, valuing more than $27,500, were delivered to shelters and community agencies that serve women in need.
The brightly decorated boxes were filled with personal items, providing gifts to vulnerable women before Christmas.
Coordinator for The Campbell River Shoebox Project, Alison Skrepneck, says the organization was at less than 40% of its goal up until two days before the drop off deadline.
“We were concerned that we wouldn’t meet our goal in providing gifts for vulnerable women, especially with what’s happening in island communities with the forestry strike,” Skrepneck says. “However, during the last few days of the campaign we received several large donations and with the help of some extra promotion we not only met our goal, we surpassed it.”
Skrepneck is thrilled that many women received a shoebox gift this holiday season and is thankful to all who helped make it happen.
The main objective of a shoebox gift is to help the recipient feel special, worthy and cared for.
“This project touches so many people,” says Heather Brownhill, legal advocate with Opportunities and Advocacy Services. “Those who fill and create the shoeboxes, staff at the drop-off locations that collect them, the volunteers who inspect and deliver them, the staff at the shelters and agencies who receive and distribute the shoeboxes to their clients, and lastly the women who receive the gifts.”
This was the 7th year for the project in Campbell River and the 3rd year on the North Island.
For more information regarding the Campbell River Shoebox Project, visit this website.
