As we have all experienced, with the effect of prolonged COVID, increased interest rates & rising living costs due to inflation, it has been challenging for many and the needs are greater than ever.  Hence, I put together beautiful Christmas Shoeboxes for the women & children either at risk or facing abusive relationships & domestic violence. These Christmas Shoeboxes will uplift their spirit with a message of Hope, Care and Encouragement.

As a local realtor, I have been blessed to serve the community over the years and I'm committed to giving back to our community as well.  This year, I have officially teamed up with an amazing local fitness instructor, Lynn Cheng who teaches at Ladner Leisure Center & McKee Senior Center with this initiative!  We also have a number of new local business partners supporting us as Donation drop-off locations as well.

The Shoebox Program for Women was originally founded in 2011 in Toronto by four sisters-in-law who wanted to brighten up the holiday season for women living in shelters by filling up shoeboxes with gifts. Every box is packed with love and hope and I'm hoping to pack 150 boxes this year for The Azure Place and the sister houses; I believe with the generosity of the South Delta residences, this can be achieved. Your help with spreading the word through Delta Optimist would be invaluable and much appreciated. 

The mission of the Christmas Shoebox project is to uplift &  empower women who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, abuse & domestic violence.
The organizations that we supported are Azure Place, a shelter in Ladner, Options Community Services for battered women shelter in Surrey and several other community service organizations.

Every shoebox has been personally curated with a mix of essential items & small luxuries that any woman would love! The support & donations from the community were overwhelming and very generous.      

A huge THANK YOU to the following local businesses for their generous support :

Delta Optimist  for sharing the story with the community
Envision Financial - both Ladner & Tsawwassen branches
McKee Seniors Recreation Centre in Ladner
Robertson Optical & Optometry in Ladner
Tsawwassen Collision in Tsawwassen
Acorn Service Group in Tsawwassen
Kerry Taste & Nutrition in Tillbury
Glenn Issler with Glenn Issler - Vancouver Mortgage Advisor in Ladner
Sungod Sports & Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Clinic in Ladner
Dexter Realty for the continuous generous support of this mission

After weeks of organizing, sorting, checking every donated item, packing & wrapping, we were able to put together 143 boxes all beautifully wrapped into Christmas presents. In addition, we did a book drive,  baby clothing drive, toy drive, and food bank drive for these shelters as well as a $500 cash donations to Azure Place!   

Here is what Azure Place has to say - Thank you for these generous gifts to our vulnerable women and children facing complete devastation as a result of domestic violence. A recent resident said, “There are no words… but I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you... you were a lifeline for me when I needed it”.

Here is what Options Community Services has to say: " Thank you so much for your generous donations. These shoeboxes truly make the holidays all the more special and meaningful for the women we serve."     

It's an honour and privilege to serve our community!