“One Shoebox. One community. One story of hope.”
That’s the tagline for The Shoebox Project’s 2026 holiday campaign, “Together, We Build Hope,” which encourages Campbell River and Port Hardy residents, businesses, schools and community groups to support women experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The non-profit has supported women in Campbell River since 2013 by providing gift-filled shoeboxes valued at $50. The project expanded to Port Hardy and the North Island in 2017.
“Every shoebox packed, every donation made, and every volunteer hour given adds up to something bigger than any single gift, a season of hope built collectively, by community, for community,” said a news release from the organization.
Donors are asked to prepare a shoebox gift valued at $50. Each box should include a $10 gift card to a grocery or drugstore, daily essentials, a few small luxuries, something warm and an inspirational message.
“In order to meet the requests for a high number of shoeboxes and help local women feel special this holiday season, we are again encouraging groups of friends and coworkers to get together and create shoeboxes,” said Alison Skrepneck, local Shoebox Project co-ordinator.
In Campbell River, donations can be dropped off at Coastal Community Credit Union in Discovery Harbour, La Tee Da Lingerie on Shoppers Row, Classy Katz Consignment in Willow Point and Mattone Italian Kitchen at Salmon Point.
In Port Hardy, donations can be dropped off at the North Island Crisis & Counselling Centre Society.
The project aims to distribute 530 gift-filled shoeboxes in Campbell River and 100 in Port Hardy and the North Island this year.
