The Shoebox Project: Kingston

Local Coordinator

Christina Yu

My name is Christina, and I’m honoured to be joining The Shoebox Project alongside the Kingston chapter! I’ve truly fallen in love with the loving community here in Kingston, and I wanted to be able to contribute and give back to the amazing women of this community. A fun fact about me is that I am actually named after Christmas (and overly obsessed with it), so I am excited to share the magic of my favourite holiday with the power of The Shoebox Project. Having seen the tremendous barriers that both the homeless and female populations unfortunately have to go through, I hope to work toward Kingston being a safe and warm living community for everyone :)

Leah Blakney

Hey everyone! My name is Leah (she/her), Kingston born and raised. I recently joined the Shoebox Project after discovering my company Lush Cosmetics has donated to them in the past and the more I heard about The Shoebox Project the more I wanted to become involved. I have a lot of both fundraising and community outreach experience and I have always been passionate about supporting other women, as well as helping people experiencing homeless in any way I can. I’m excited to be a part of this amazing organization and am hoping this will be our biggest year yet here in Kingston!

Searching for Local Coordinator

While we are searching for a local coordinator for this chapter, our agencies are still being supported. If you are interested in being a local coordinator, please click here to learn more about the role and apply.

Latest News & Events

2023 Holiday Drive Coming Soon

We're excited to be launching the 2023 holiday season gift drive! Please check this page again soon for more information.

Thank you for your support!

With the support of our community, we successfully delivered 243 Shoeboxes (valued over $12000) to 7 shelters across our local Kingston and surrounding communities! We delivered another 100 gift cards (valued at $2500) to shelters to support their outreach programs.

Special shoutout to Sarah Lawrence on behalf of Royal LePage Kingston for serving as our drop-off spot for all of our shoeboxes, and the radiology department at KGH as our biggest donor that enables us to do all that we do.

Keep an eye out on our page for more events in 2024!

Thank you for your support!

With the support of our community, we successfully delivered 243 Shoeboxes (valued over $12000) to 7 shelters across our local Kingston and surrounding communities! We delivered another 100 gift cards (valued at $2500) to shelters to support their outreach programs.

Special shoutout to Sarah Lawrence on behalf of Royal LePage Kingston for serving as our drop-off spot for all of our shoeboxes, and the radiology department at KGH as our biggest donor that enables us to do all that we do.

Keep an eye out on our page for more events in 2024!

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Community Outreach Coordinator
Working closely with your local coordinator,  implement outreach opportunities for corporate/ school/ sponsorship/ community groups and individuals to raise awareness and get them involved in Shoebox Project initiatives.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Social Media Coordinator
Develop, implement and manage your local  chapter’s social media plan across various platforms.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Procurement Coordinaor
Assist your Chapter to secure donated products required for building premium Shoebox gifts for women in need in your community.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Social Media Coordinator
Develop, implement and manage your local  chapter’s social media plan across various platforms.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Community Outreach Coordinator
Working closely with your local coordinator,  implement outreach opportunities for corporate/ school/ sponsorship/ community groups and individuals to raise awareness and get them involved in Shoebox Project initiatives.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Fundraising Coordinator
Help develop and implement new fundraising campaigns and events for your chapter goals and organize and coordinate fundraising initiatives with your fundraising support team.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Shoebox Inspection Support
Work closely with other volunteers to assist in ensuring that each Shoebox donated is inspected, sealed and ready for delivery.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 15+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Social Media Coordinator
Develop, implement and manage your local  chapter’s social media plan across various platforms.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Shoebox Inspection Support
Work closely with other volunteers to assist in ensuring that each Shoebox donated is inspected, sealed and ready for delivery.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 15+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Social Media Coordinator
Develop, implement and manage your local  chapter’s social media plan across various platforms.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Social Media Coordinator
Develop, implement and manage your local  chapter’s social media plan across various platforms.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Community Outreach Coordinator
Working closely with your local coordinator,  implement outreach opportunities for corporate/ school/ sponsorship/ community groups and individuals to raise awareness and get them involved in Shoebox Project initiatives.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Social Media Coordinator
Develop, implement and manage your local  chapter’s social media plan across various platforms.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator
Build community awareness and support of The Shoebox Project mission, your local chapter & chapter goals through various community outlets means such as local event calendars, local news/media outlets, public officials, and local personalities.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Fundraising Coordinator
Help develop and implement new fundraising campaigns and events for your chapter goals and organize and coordinate fundraising initiatives with your fundraising support team.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Shoebox Inspection Support
Work closely with other volunteers to assist in ensuring that each Shoebox donated is inspected, sealed and ready for delivery.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 15+

Driver - Shoebox Pickups & Deliveries
Assist with pick up and delivery of items throughout your chapter’s Shoebox drive as needed and delivery of shoeboxes to our shelter agency partners.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Fundraising Support
Help the team implement fundraising initiatives by supporting various event logistics and other fundraising activities.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 15+

Community Outreach Coordinator
Working closely with your local coordinator,  implement outreach opportunities for corporate/ school/ sponsorship/ community groups and individuals to raise awareness and get them involved in Shoebox Project initiatives.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Volunteer Recruitment & Coordination
Help build your chapter’s volunteer team by recruiting, screening and onboarding volunteer positions needed. Facilitate communications, feedback and recognition to volunteer team members.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Shoebox Inspection Support
Work closely with other volunteers to assist in ensuring that each Shoebox donated is inspected, sealed and ready for delivery.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 15+

Note Card Writer
Creating personalized note cards for each Shoebox gift to ensure each recipient has a note of support along with her gift.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 9 - 99+

Driver - Shoebox Pickups & Deliveries
Assist with pick up and delivery of items throughout your chapter’s Shoebox drive as needed and delivery of shoeboxes to our shelter agency partners.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Driver - Shoebox Pickups & Deliveries
Assist with pick up and delivery of items throughout your chapter’s Shoebox drive as needed and delivery of shoeboxes to our shelter agency partners.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Community Engagement Coordinator
Boots on the ground, you will be collaborating with your Local or Regional Coordinator and other Community Engagement Coordinators. You are responsible for coordinating the logistics of your local community Shoebox drives, inspections and distribution.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Fundraising Support
Help the team implement fundraising initiatives by supporting various event logistics and other fundraising activities.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 15+

Driver - Shoebox Pickups & Deliveries
Assist with pick up and delivery of items throughout your chapter’s Shoebox drive as needed and delivery of shoeboxes to our shelter agency partners.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Note Card Writer
Creating personalized note cards for each Shoebox gift to ensure each recipient has a note of support along with her gift.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 9 - 99+

Shoebox Inspection Support
Work closely with other volunteers to assist in ensuring that each Shoebox donated is inspected, sealed and ready for delivery.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 15+

Community Outreach Coordinator
Working closely with your local coordinator,  implement outreach opportunities for corporate/ school/ sponsorship/ community groups and individuals to raise awareness and get them involved in Shoebox Project initiatives.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Driver - Shoebox Pickups & Deliveries
Assist with pick up and delivery of items throughout your chapter’s Shoebox drive as needed and delivery of shoeboxes to our shelter agency partners.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Shoebox Inspections and Distribution Coordinator
Manage a team of volunteers in organizing the inspection of Shoeboxes and coordinate plan for distribution of Shoeboxes.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Driver - Shoebox Pickups & Deliveries
Assist with pick up and delivery of items throughout your chapter’s Shoebox drive as needed and delivery of shoeboxes to our shelter agency partners.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Shoebox Inspections and Distribution Coordinator
Manage a team of volunteers in organizing the inspection of Shoeboxes and coordinate plan for distribution of Shoeboxes.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Driver - Shoebox Pickups & Deliveries
Assist with pick up and delivery of items throughout your chapter’s Shoebox drive as needed and delivery of shoeboxes to our shelter agency partners.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Fundraising Coordinator
Help develop and implement new fundraising campaigns and events for your chapter goals and organize and coordinate fundraising initiatives with your fundraising support team.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Community Engagement Coordinator
Boots on the ground, you will be collaborating with your Local or Regional Coordinator and other Community Engagement Coordinators. You are responsible for coordinating the logistics of your local community Shoebox drives, inspections and distribution.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Note Card Writer
Creating personalized note cards for each Shoebox gift to ensure each recipient has a note of support along with her gift.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 9 - 99+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Driver - Shoebox Pickups & Deliveries
Assist with pick up and delivery of items throughout your chapter’s Shoebox drive as needed and delivery of shoeboxes to our shelter agency partners.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Note Card Writer
Creating personalized note cards for each Shoebox gift to ensure each recipient has a note of support along with her gift.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 9 - 99+

Shoebox Inspection Support
Work closely with other volunteers to assist in ensuring that each Shoebox donated is inspected, sealed and ready for delivery.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 15+

Community Outreach Coordinator
Working closely with your local coordinator,  implement outreach opportunities for corporate/ school/ sponsorship/ community groups and individuals to raise awareness and get them involved in Shoebox Project initiatives.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Driver - Shoebox Pickups & Deliveries
Assist with pick up and delivery of items throughout your chapter’s Shoebox drive as needed and delivery of shoeboxes to our shelter agency partners.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Shoebox Inspection Support
Work closely with other volunteers to assist in ensuring that each Shoebox donated is inspected, sealed and ready for delivery.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 15+

We're Seeking Volunteers!

Shoebox Inspection Support
Work closely with other volunteers to assist in ensuring that each Shoebox donated is inspected, sealed and ready for delivery.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 15+

Driver - Shoebox Pickups & Deliveries
Assist with pick up and delivery of items throughout your chapter’s Shoebox drive as needed and delivery of shoeboxes to our shelter agency partners.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

Our Gifts Go to Women At the Following Agencies...

Since 2018, we have distributed almost 1,100 shoeboxes to the following agencies:

Dawn House

Elizabeth Fry Society

Hastings, Prince Edward, and Lennox & Addington Victim Services

Kingston Interval House

Kingston Home Base Housing

Kingston Youth Shelter

Lennox & Addington Interval House​

United Way

Victim Services Kingston and Frontenac

Thank You to Our Supporters

Thank You to Our Supporters

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Photos

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Testimonials

"The 2021 Holiday season has been the seventh year we have partnered with the Montreal Shoebox Project. This year in particular, with  the impact of Covid continuing, the shoebox ensured us a guaranteed gift for all the residents. They arrived early and were well organized by the Montreal Team, plus already wrapped. We had enough for our 28 residents, and everyone had items that covered their basic needs with a few extra treats. The impact it has on our residents is filled with appreciation and gratitude.  Since the items are things that are used everyday it allows for the residents to save this amount if they would have purchased it on their own.  The amount saved allows for an increase in their own personal budgets which is truly helpful during these expensive times. The gift cards to McDonalds this year have surely helped the residents break isolation and treat themselves together.

The Holiday season is extra special because we get gift boxes from the Montreal Shoebox Project. We thank you all so very much for the continous generosity, and ensuring all of our residents have a gift to unwrap each year. We hope to be able to have your support each year."

- J.W., Manager Client Services at a Montréal Shelter

"The women were very happy to find practical items, items they use on a daily basis. Some were so excited and overjoyed that they called the intervention workers by their side, smiling from ear to ear, showing the contents of the boxes.

All were very grateful to receive the boxes and touched that they had been thought of. The Holiday Season can be a sad time of the year and offering a present to the isolated/lonely can make a huge difference. I hope you know that you have made a difference in hundreds of women’s lives during the past holiday season."

- A. B., Communications and Volunteer Coordinator at a Montréal Shelter

"I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the ladies and families, to extend our thanks and gratitude for your support during the holiday season. Your donations were received with grand smiles and much joy. Oh the smiles they give you when they reached in and found the personal care products, mittens, hats and scarfs. It is encouraging to know that community can work together and share in such a loving way.  Thank you for your devotion and to making a difference."

- T.M., Outreach Worker at a Montréal Shelter

"Once again, this past holiday season, the women really enjoyed opening up their boxes to find all kinds much needed items. They were actually quite surprised as they really thought there would be no celebration in the context of the pandemic. So, this made the day that more special. The Shoeboxes are most definitely a big part of our celebration during the holidays!

A big thank you to everyone who participated. What a difference a Shoebox can make!"

- I. J.   Intervention Worker at a Montréal Shelter

"Your Shoeboxes are amazing, filled to the brim with all types of goodies and gift cards! It is so nice that everything is new too. A real box full of all kinds of surprises and treats that make the ladies feel so special. The gift cards are so nice too! The women get to pick something they like which is really important.

The ladies made comments such as "c'est du vrai bonheur ça!", "ah mon dieu...!", and "wow, c'est magnifique!"

Having all the Shoeboxes so beautifully wrapped created a lovely decorative element in our pavilion too. We used the wall full of wrapped Shoeboxes as an attractive backdrop for photographs. Your Shoeboxes are assembled with a lot of love and it shows!"

- C.R., Assistant to Director of Services at a Montréal Shelter

"I learned about the shoebox project on Social media and from the first time I got to meet with Lora from the Montreal chapter I knew we would build an amazing partnership and with her help and guidance a successful event. Having the opportunity to volunteer and to be able to help and support women was extra special.  We are looking forward to many more events."

- Sabrina C.

"I am extremely touched to know that there are awesome organizations that help women rise up and help them get back on their feet. We have all experienced hard days in our lives; and to me it’s extremely important to be able to help those in need especially women and kids. I hope this little box brings a smile to one amazing woman. Xoxo Dina"

- Dina Y.

"For me, this was an opportunity to give back to someone in my community. Someone who at this point in time is at their lowest and could use some basic necessities just to feel somewhat normal. A lot of us don’t know what it’s like to have nothing, and we take the things we have for granted. That’s why any chance we get to help people in our community, we should take it."

- Joseph N.

"Having the opportunity to participate in creating a shoe box was a great way to bring our district together and work towards a great cause. Creating this box reminded me that with kindness you have the ability to shape the world around you in whatever way you choose one box at a time. Besides this being a valuable contribution, it is an excellent exercise of self-observation and humbleness. Thank you for allowing us to spread love, kindness and respect to women in need within our community."

- Chris H-S.

"It meant a lot for us to participate in this shoebox drive because we love every occasion for women to support women!"

- Marissa Y.

Testimonials

"The 2021 Holiday season has been the seventh year we have partnered with the Montreal Shoebox Project. This year in particular, with  the impact of Covid continuing, the shoebox ensured us a guaranteed gift for all the residents. They arrived early and were well organized by the Montreal Team, plus already wrapped. We had enough for our 28 residents, and everyone had items that covered their basic needs with a few extra treats. The impact it has on our residents is filled with appreciation and gratitude.  Since the items are things that are used everyday it allows for the residents to save this amount if they would have purchased it on their own.  The amount saved allows for an increase in their own personal budgets which is truly helpful during these expensive times. The gift cards to McDonalds this year have surely helped the residents break isolation and treat themselves together.

The Holiday season is extra special because we get gift boxes from the Montreal Shoebox Project. We thank you all so very much for the continous generosity, and ensuring all of our residents have a gift to unwrap each year. We hope to be able to have your support each year."

- J.W., Manager Client Services at a Montréal Shelter

"The women were very happy to find practical items, items they use on a daily basis. Some were so excited and overjoyed that they called the intervention workers by their side, smiling from ear to ear, showing the contents of the boxes.

All were very grateful to receive the boxes and touched that they had been thought of. The Holiday Season can be a sad time of the year and offering a present to the isolated/lonely can make a huge difference. I hope you know that you have made a difference in hundreds of women’s lives during the past holiday season."

- A. B., Communications and Volunteer Coordinator at a Montréal Shelter

"I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the ladies and families, to extend our thanks and gratitude for your support during the holiday season. Your donations were received with grand smiles and much joy. Oh the smiles they give you when they reached in and found the personal care products, mittens, hats and scarfs. It is encouraging to know that community can work together and share in such a loving way.  Thank you for your devotion and to making a difference."

- T.M., Outreach Worker at a Montréal Shelter

"Once again, this past holiday season, the women really enjoyed opening up their boxes to find all kinds much needed items. They were actually quite surprised as they really thought there would be no celebration in the context of the pandemic. So, this made the day that more special. The Shoeboxes are most definitely a big part of our celebration during the holidays!

A big thank you to everyone who participated. What a difference a Shoebox can make!"

- I. J.   Intervention Worker at a Montréal Shelter

"Your Shoeboxes are amazing, filled to the brim with all types of goodies and gift cards! It is so nice that everything is new too. A real box full of all kinds of surprises and treats that make the ladies feel so special. The gift cards are so nice too! The women get to pick something they like which is really important.

The ladies made comments such as "c'est du vrai bonheur ça!", "ah mon dieu...!", and "wow, c'est magnifique!"

Having all the Shoeboxes so beautifully wrapped created a lovely decorative element in our pavilion too. We used the wall full of wrapped Shoeboxes as an attractive backdrop for photographs. Your Shoeboxes are assembled with a lot of love and it shows!"

- C.R., Assistant to Director of Services at a Montréal Shelter

Contact This Chapter

kingston@shoeboxproject.com

The Kingston Shoebox Project occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Wendake-Nionwentsïo, Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Mississauga. In particular, our Chapter resides on land ceded in the Crawford Purchase, 1783. We recognize and support the Indigenous individuals and communities who live here now, and those who were forcibly removed from their homelands. In offering this land acknowledgement, we affirm Indigenous sovereignty, history and experiences.