ThereB次元官网网址檚 still a little time to put a smile on a strangerB次元官网网址檚 face this holiday season. To remind them that they are not alone and they mean something to someone.

ThatB次元官网网址檚 the idea behind The Shoebox Project, a national campaign that distributes shoeboxes filled with little gifts, warm clothes and words of inspiration to women in shelters and outreach programs.

One Sooke woman has jumped behind the initiative, organizing box drop-off locations across the West Shore and elsewhere in Greater Victoria. Linda Ferguson, in her third year organizing the local campaign, will distribute them to at least nine different shelters across the south Island, based on their need.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 all done by word of mouth,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 grown from 59 the first year to 624 last year.B次元官网网址�

Last December, The Shoebox Project delivered gifts to 17,000 women using 270 shelters and outreach programs in 72 communities in Canada and the U.S.

Ferguson said the shoebox is a reminder for women that B次元官网网址渟omebody out there, a complete stranger, loves them.B次元官网网址� A number of recipients keep the boxes as a memento, she added. B次元官网网址淵ou just donB次元官网网址檛 realize the impact youB次元官网网址檒l have.B次元官网网址�

But itB次元官网网址檚 not just the recipients who are benefiting. Ferguson said a number of families get together and make building a box a tradition, and groups or businesses host parties where attendees bring items to build and decorate boxes.

B次元官网网址淚t starts that whole conversation,B次元官网网址� she said, adding it is a great way to help children learn about different shelter programs. B次元官网网址淭hey really are moved by the experience when they know where itB次元官网网址檚 going.B次元官网网址�

Deb Alcadinho, founder and director of the Westshore WomenB次元官网网址檚 Business Network, said when she found out one of their members was organizing the local campaign, it seemed like a perfect fit for the group.

B次元官网网址淓ach year we align ourselves with charities B次元官网网址� with the mandate in mind that we support our community,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 all about giving back at a time of year when itB次元官网网址檚 important.B次元官网网址�

Celebrating its fifth year this month, the Network has grown from a handful of women to over 1,000 members. B次元官网网址淲hat struck a chord was we provided a place in the industry for women to network,B次元官网网址� Alcadinho said. The purpose of the group, besides networking and helping women grow their businesses, is to support them in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e all been in some sort of transition in our lives B次元官网网址� WeB次元官网网址檙e always transitioning from one aspect to another,B次元官网网址� Alcadinho said. She noted, however, that the women receiving the shoeboxes are probably going through more significant life changes than most.

The deadline for shoeboxes to be dropped off is Dec. 10, which is also the WWBNB次元官网网址檚 annual Christmas party. While the group is encouraging its members to bring shoeboxes to the event, Alcadinho is encouraging members of the public to come join them.

B次元官网网址淲e have amazing perks and benefits to being a member, but I always want to encourage women to come as a guest.B次元官网网址�

There are some specific regulations for the shoeboxes: they must have their lid wrapped separately so they can be inspected upon arrival at the different shelters.

Ferguson said this was just a precaution to make sure the women receiving them are protected.

For a full list of the 26 drop-off locations, as well as gift suggestions, go to shoeboxproject.com or visit the Vancouver Island group on Facebook.

For more information on the Westshore WomenB次元官网网址檚 Business Network, visit wwbnvictoria.com.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com