A Call-Out for Support from Shawn Watson, Niagara, Coordinator, The Shoebox Project for Women
Posted November 13th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Shoebox Project Niagara Launches Annual Holiday Donation Drive This year’s drive runs from November 1 to 29, with the goal of collecting 1,200 gift-filled shoeboxes.
It’s that time of year again when the Shoebox Project Niagara launches its annual holiday drive, collecting gift-filled shoeboxes for women in Niagara who are experiencing homelessness and accessing programs through supported shelters and agencies.
Over the next few weeks, our volunteers will be collecting, sorting, packing, and distributing gift-filled shoeboxes, with the intention of sharing a little bit of love and encouragement with women in shelters this holiday season.
The goal this year is to gift 1,200 boxes to women across the 18 agencies here in Niagara that the chapter supports. Our 2025 holiday campaign, “Secure Her Tomorrow In a Culture of Kindness,” focuses on empowering women to build confidence and find their path to achieving new beginnings.
“Each year, we are deeply moved by the generosity of our community and the thoughtfulness behind every shoebox gift,” said Shawn Watson, new local coordinator for the Shoebox Project Niagara.
Shawn Watson, local coordinator for the Shoebox Project Niagara
“Through our ‘Secure Her Tomorrow in a Culture of Kindness’ campaign, we’re not only offering comfort through the individuality of these gifts but also empowering women to rebuild their confidence and create new beginnings through those community connections. We hope to help all women feel seen, valued, and supported as they navigate challenging times.”
The idea is to assemble a shoebox valued at around $50 with a mix of new essential items, such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and a toothbrush, combined with small luxuries like hand cream, mascara, fuzzy socks, and a sweet treat.
All boxes include a positive note of encouragement to help remind recipients that they are special and supported. Completed boxes can be brought to local drop-off locations across the region to be collected, inspected, and distributed to agencies in time for the holidays. Last year, more than 1,080 gifts were donated to local shelters and agencies in Niagara.
This year’s shoebox drive will take place from November 1 to November 29. Watch our social media and webpage for updates on new locations for our Last Call drop-off on Saturday, November 29, from 12-2 p.m.
There are many exciting ways to get involved and support this year’s fundraising efforts.
- Assemble a gift-filled shoebox and bring it to a local drop-off location. See gifting guidelines.
- Host a shoebox party with your friends or coworkers and assemble some boxes.
- Reach out at niagara@shoeboxproject.com for our Wish List of items to help our inspection team have everything they need.
For more information about the Shoebox Project Niagara, including drop-off locations and upcoming events, visit our webpage at www.shoeboxproject.ca/chapters/niagara.
Questions for our volunteer team can be emailed to niagara@shoeboxproject.com.
Shoebox Project Niagara is a local chapter of the Shoebox Project for Women, is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to supporting women who are experiencing -or at risk of- homelessness or facing other economic and systemic barriers. Our mission is to uplift and empower women and those who identify as women. experiencing housing and financial hardship through in-kind support, education, and community participation.
WHO WE ARE
- • Founded in 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada the SBP provides local women with gifts of essential personal items including $10-$15 gift card at various times throughout the year
- Located in all provinces with 45+ Local Chapters solely led and supported by over 700 volunteers
- Local volunteers collect, assemble, inspect, and distribute the donated gifts to women’s shelters and community agencies • Our boxes include a hand-written message of solidarity and support.
- In 2024, our network delivered over 2.1 million dollars worth of gifts to local women reaching over 40,000 recipients • Since 2011, with the support of our generous donors, volunteers and corporate sponsors, we have supported annually more than 620 shelters and community agencies serving women, girls and gender-diverse people.
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.
“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders
Niagara At Large 