Christmas shoebox donations way up over last year’s tally
JOSH SKAPIN
The volume of shoeboxes filled with items to help women in need — a campaign supported by Dream — stepped up significantly this year.
Since 2014, Dream Unlimited has been the national sponsor for the Shoebox Project for Shelters. At the Calgary level, its Kensington office has been the location for dropping off shoebox donations.
Its show home in the High River community of Montrose and information centre in the Crossfield community of Vista Cross- ing served as drop-off locations, as well.
Dream master-planned Vista Crossing and Montrose, along with a number of Calgary communities, including most recently, EvansRidge in northwest Calgary.
This year, 885 shoeboxes were collected through the Shoebox Project in Calgary. Last year, the tally was 491.
“I think it’s fantastic,” says Shavonne Doell, director of architectural control for Dream.
“It’s hard to know what has made it grow this year but it’s really exciting. We’re excited to see how many more people we can help.
“We had a goal of trying to beat 500 this year, so getting close to 900 is fantastic.”
The campaign asks that the contents of the shoebox is valued at about $50. Recommended items include mitts, scarves, hats, nutfree chocolate, gift cards, brushes, lotions, soaps, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
“Calgary has done a fantastic job with making these shoeboxes topnotch,” says Doell.
The shoeboxes are delivered to organizations including the
We’re excited to see how many more people we can help. We had a goal of trying to beat 500 this year, so getting close to 900 is fantastic.
Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary, the Brenda Strafford Centre, Reset Society of Calgary, Discovery House, the Salvation Army, the Women’s Centre, the YWCA, and the Oxford House.
Organizations in High River and Strathmore received shoeboxes, as well.