Fanshawe bringing cheer to London with the Shoebox Project

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: SAMANTHA KACZALA
The London Shoebox Project is working with Fanshawe to bring a little more joy to women in need this year.

The London Shoebox Project for shelters will be teaming up with Fanshawe and other companies this winter to collect items for women in need.

According to the Shoebox Project website, the project began in 2011 when four sisters-in-law took up the torch to help women in shelters during the holiday season. Just like stated in it’s name, the Shoebox Project asks for people to decorate and fill up a shoebox with items, or just donate a couple of items, that will aid in giving some cheer to women who feel estranged, lonely or disconnected during the holiday season.

Sarah Ruttan, a career consultant at Fanshawe College’s Employment and Entrepreneurial Services, is Fanshawe’s acting liaison for the London Shoebox Project.

Ruttan, who has had experience working with Shoebox before, said the premise is simple, but “really wonderful”.

“The premise was, fill up a shoebox with a little something practical, something fun, something whimsical, something of interest to women, and supply those Christmas boxes at Christmas time,” Ruttan said. “In the last couple of years, it’s really taken off because it’s such a nice way to connect and give back at Christmas time.”

Ruttan said that what personally draws her to the Shoebox Project is that it “is women empowering other women”, which allow mothers in need to indulge a little on themselves, rather than just presents for their children.

“I think mom’s often make the choice between Christmas gifts and buying feminine hygiene products. They go without things for themselves, so that their children can have Christmas presents or even Christmas dinner,” Ruttan said. “So they forget about themselves. [The Shoebox Project] is a way to show women that we remember you and value you,” Ruttan said.

In terms of the shoeboexs, each will be packed with $50 worth of items that can range from essentials like feminine products, to comforts like chocolate or candies. Whatever it may be, Ruttan said that any item, no matter how big or small will be appreciated by the woman who receives a box.

Ruttan explained how different departments in the College and even the different campuses across London are being challenged to collect and donate as much stuff as they can to fill the shoeboxes. Ruttan also said filled shoeboxes are welcomed.

“We’re now challenging on social media, we’re challenging departments all across the campus,” Ruttan said, “In hopes that we can get some support from those folks.”

The Project seems to be hitting it off with staff already, as Ruttan said her colleagues dropping off at least five shoeboxes worth of stuff earlier in the day of this interview.

When asked what kind of items would be good to buy to fill the boxes, she said that there are a lot of items you can donate.

“We’re looking for completed boxes. We’re looking for shoeboxes we can decorate and of course we are looking for things that you put into the boxes. Everything from things like chocolate bars, nice chocolate to notepads. Somebody donated $25 gift cards for Shoppers Drug Mart, which is a lovely gift. Socks, [is] a practical thing,” Ruttan said. “We’ve been given shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath salts, those kinds of things. Something you would want to get and receive, think in terms of that,” Ruttan said.

Shoeboxes or donation items can be brought to the locations below:

Employment and Student Entrepreneurial Services, Room D1063 (Main Campus)

Leap Junction, F1012 (Main Campus)

Community Employment Services, 155 Clarke Road, London (Nelson Plaza)

School of Digital & Performing Arts, 137 Dundas St., London

For more information and more donation locations in London, visit shoeboxproject.com/london.html.