The Shoebox Project: Muskoka

The

Muskoka

(Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Bowmanville, Port Perry)

Shoebox Project

l'Opération boîte à chaussures de la

Muskoka

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.

Thank You for Your Support

Thank you for your participation in our 2022 Holiday Campaign!

Whether you are a volunteer, a Shoebox creator, a corporate team, or an in-kind or monetary donor, you are invaluable to us! Our success relies on your empathy and your will to help communities thrive. We can’t thank you enough, as we couldn’t do what we do without your kindness and generosity.

Keep an eye out on this page for more events in 2023. Until then, you can support our efforts all year long!

Here's how you can help our Local Chapter right now:

100% of your donation will go toward purchasing gift cards and essentials for local women impacted by homelessness.

Thank You for Your Support!

Thank you for your participation in our 2022 Holiday Campaign!

Whether you are a volunteer, a Shoebox creator, a corporate team, or an in-kind or monetary donor, you are invaluable to us! Our success relies on your empathy and your will to help communities thrive.

We can’t thank you enough, as we couldn’t do what we do without your kindness and generosity.

Keep an eye out on this page for more events in 2023. Until then, you can support our efforts all year long!

Ways You Can Support Us in the Off-Season:

100% of your donation will go toward supporting our chapter, purchasing gift cards and essentials for local women impacted by homelessness.

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+

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+

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!

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!

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+

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+

Cette saison des fêtes, créez une Boîte à chaussures virtuelle​

Cette année, nous nous sommes tous sentis isolés, et en particulier les femmes dans les refuges. Remplir une Boîte à chaussures peut sembler différent cette année, mais son impact est le même.

Créez une Boîte à chaussures virtuelle et en quelques minutes, vous rappellerez à une femme touchée par l’itinérance qu’elle est appréciée et que quelqu’un se sent concerné par son bien-être.

Thank You for Your Support!

Thank you for your participation in our 2022 Holiday Campaign!

Whether you are a volunteer, a Shoebox creator, a corporate team, or an in-kind or monetary donor, you are invaluable to us! Our success relies on your empathy and your will to help communities thrive.

We can’t thank you enough, as we couldn’t do what we do without your kindness and generosity.

Keep an eye out on this page for more events in 2023. Until then, you can support our efforts all year long!

Les possibilités de bénévolat

Coordinateur du marketing et des relations publiques

Sensibilisez la communauté et soutenez la mission du projet Opération Boîte à chaussures, votre chapitre local et les objectifs de votre chapitre par le biais de divers moyens communautaires tels que les calendriers d'événements locaux, les médias locaux, les fonctionnaires et les personnalités locales.

Lire la description complète

Exigence: 18+

Bénévole de soutien à la collecte de fonds

Aidez l'équipe à mettre en œuvre des initiatives de collecte de fonds en soutenant la logistique de divers événements et d'autres activités de levée de fonds.

Lire la description complète

Exigence: 15+

Chauffeur-cueillettes et livraisons de boîtes à chaussures

Aidez (au besoin)  au ramassage et à la livraison des articles tout au long de la collecte des boîtes à chaussures de votre chapitre et à la livraison des boîtes à chaussures à nos partenaires d'agence d'hébergement.

Lire la description complète

Exigence: 18+

Previous Updates

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

School Outreach Coordinator
Reach out to and form relationships with local primary, secondary & post-secondary schools/clubs to spread awareness and gain interest and support for your chapter goals. Help facilitate school Shoebox drives, item donation collection and notecard writing and for larger chapters lead school ambassador team in coordinating these school events.
Read the full description

Age suitability: 18+

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

Les refuges ou nous livrons vos dons

Christine's Place, Dotte

District of Muskoka

Dorset Health Hub

Lake of Bays Winter Pantry

Manna Food Bank

Muskoka Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services

Muskoka Victims Services

Port Severn / Geogian Bay Food Bank

Salvation Army

Salvation Army, Bracebridge & Gravenhurst

Table Soup Kitchen

Wahta Mohawk Health and Social Services

West Muskoka Food Bank

Winter Pantry Dwight

Women's Advocacy

Women's Resource Centre

YWCA​

Homelessness in

Muskoka

21%

In 2010, 21% of women living on the streets in Simcoe County reported being sexually assaulted or raped.

25%

About one in four Muskoka tenants pays more than 50% of their family income on rent. There are about 650 households on the waiting list for social housing.

30%

About 30% of people in government-supported housing require additional support services, and that number continues to increase.

In the News...

Dans L’actualité

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.

Dans L’actualité

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

Témoignages

La générosité de Montreal Shoebox Project a permis d’embellir la vie de ces femmes qui viennent trouver refuge à notre Auberge pendant la période des Fêtes de Noel.La remise des cadeaux s’est déroulé le 24 décembre au soir. Organisées par nos intervenantes; cette fête et la remise des cadeaux  ainsi que le souper ont contribué à créer une ambiance de chaleur et de partage et donnent à ces femmes désireuses d’améliorer leur condition de vie l’occasion de célébrer avec joie.

Également, au cours de la semaine qui a suivi le Réveillon, plusieurs anciennes résidantes sont passées à l’Auberge M. et ont reçu une boite cadeaux Shoebox. Nous avons distribué au total 38 boites cadeaux, 26 boites cadeaux aux femmes hébergées et 12 autres aux anciennes résidantes qui bénéficient de nos services de soutien post-hébergement.

Toutes les femmes ont beaucoup appréciés les cadeaux et vous remercient pour votre générosité et solidarité!

Au nom de toute l’équipe, je vous remercie chaleureusement pour votre engagement et votre soutien envers toutes les femmes de l’Auberge chaque Noel!

Merci.

- A. F., Adjointe administrative pour un refuge pour femmes de Montréal

J'aimerais d'abord te remercier ainsi qu'à tous les donateurs et à toutes les personnes impliquées pour les boîtes à chaussures de Noël que nous avons distribuées pendant la période des Fêtes!

Ce fut énormément apprécié!  Les commentaires sont que positifs de la part de notre clientèle!  Elle trouvent que c'est un cadeau qui est complet, un peu de tout sans oublier une petite carte de souhait et des sucreries!  Un GROS MERCI du fond du cœur de la part de la clientèle!  Vous avez donné un peu de soleil dans leurs cœurs à toutes nos femmes pendant cette période difficile pour elles...!!!!

- P.G., Coordonnatrice des bénévoles pour un refuge pour femmes de Montréal

L'événement nous a permis de sensibiliser les membres de l'équipe à propos des besoins des autres et surtout cette activité nous a permis de découvrir une autre façon d’aider ceux dans le besoin. Merci.

- Natalia M.

Photos

Photos

No items found.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Merci à nos commanditaires

No items found.

Keep in touch with our community