Spring drive aims to keep Toolbox Project Niagara momentum going strong
For the past six years, James Symons has been helping spread warmth through the winter months with Toolbox Project Niagara, a charity he founded in 2017 to distribute care packages for men living in poverty.
It’s been successful beyond his wildest dream, with the first year seeing more than 350 packages containing necessities such as deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, socks and tuques handed out. He had hoped for 25.
During last year’s late fall campaign, well more than 1,100 care packages were sent out to people in all 12 local municipalities in Niagara.
“I’m just in awe of the community,” Symons said of the support his effort has received, adding that more than 6,000 packages have been distributed since he started.
Following the success of the pre-Christmas campaign, Symons had an idea — see if the momentum could keep going.
In the lead-up to Super Bowl Sunday, Symons put out a call on social media for snacks to be handed out to people staying at Southridge Shelter in St. Catharines.
Despite some people expressing consternation over the idea of handing out snack food in place of healthy alternatives, Symons said donors came through, including an unnamed restaurant that made a five-litre batch of chili it paired with more than 50 sub-sized sandwiches.
Symons said most people realized the small joys many individuals take for granted are often denied to those living on the streets.
“If we can have snacks at Super Bowl, why can’t they?” he said.
With that little victory, Symons wondered if it would be too much to ask for help yet again, this time to provide for necessities for spring.
“You don’t want to wear out your donors,” he said.
He explained his initial concern was quickly put to rest as his community on Facebook responded with a resounding willingness to follow his lead.
The Toolbox Project Niagara spring refresh campaign runs April 1 to 26, during which bins will be set up across the region, including at city hall and fire stations 1 and 4 in Thorold, Boldt Realty in St. Catharines, Niagara Kung Fu Academy in Niagara Falls and Hart Store at Welland’s Seaway Mall.
Along with socks, underwear and deodorant for men, the campaign will be collecting the same for women.
Symons said he continues to be heartened by the generosity of Niagarans.
“I really appreciate everyone’s willingness to help,” he said.
For more information about Toolbox Project Niagara, to volunteer or find out where to donate, visit the website toolboxproject.ca.