Simcoe County - Simcoe Grey Shoebox Project for Shelters

The Shoebox Project was founded in 2011 by four sisters-in-law-Caroline Mulroney Lapham and Jessica, Vanessa and Katy Mulroney. We were looking for a hands-on way to give back in our community.  We asked our friends to fill a shoebox with little luxuries that they would enjoy, to decorate the box and drop it off to us.  We delivered our gift boxes along with the hundred others we received to more women that we could have expected.  Through word-of-mouth, and social media, we have grown in a big way! It is our hope that we are able to brighten the days of women living in our country's shelters and let them know that their community does care about them.

We also hope that those people who have been inspired to participate will gain a deeper understanding of abuse, poverty and mental illness - all factors contributing to women's homelessness in North America. The Shoebox Project collects and distributes gifts in the form of shoeboxes to women in shelters in the United States and Canada. 

SIMCOE COUNTY SHOEBOX PROJECT

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THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO OUR COMMUNITY. WE DELIVERED 235 SHOEBOXES TO 12 SHELTERS IN ALLISTON, BARRIE, BRACEBRIDGE, COLLINGWOOD, HUNTSVILLE, MIDLAND, AND ORILLIA. FOR MORE INFORMATION FOR FUTURE PARTICIPATION ON OUR MOTHERS DAY 2015 DRIVE, PLEASE CLICK ON THE CONTACT US LINK OR FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOKSHOEBOXPROJECT.SIMCOE

Celebrating 100 Years of Big Brothers and Sisters - Inaugural Gala

Last night of January 2014 and looked forward to the Big Brothers/Sisters Gala. It was their Inaugural Gala and though they've done other fundraisers in the past, this was an extra special event and celebrating 100 years! 

Betcha didn't know, I had a "Big Sister" when I was a little girl. Was a great opportunity and helped shape me. They were a childless couple and think in some way, we helped each other. Lost touch with her and think would be neat to know how my "Big Sister" is. Her name was Hilary and her husband was Neil. I've googled and searched on Facebook but know they moved out of my old home town a long time ago. Anyway, memories made and very grateful. 

It was definitely good times with good friends. My "tweet" before I left was "Party on and all in the name of charitable Organizations. Life is good 

The night was great. Tara Dawn and Jamie of Chay Today were the esteemed hosts. They're always a delight and such professionals. 

Some fabulous treats, auction items. The auctioneer was the ever-amazing Barb Richards of "A Touch of Class". She always has a way of making things fun and you hardly even know you're spending your hard-earned money away.

So much to mention, at completion of the night and safely home, this was my Facebook status update:

It's 2:30 am and I'm just home now. Phew what a night! The Gala was spectacular! So happy to be part of that and help the Organization. 
Did you know the waiting list to help match the young ladies is really short compared to matching the boy? If you can make some spare time, even if just an hour to shoot hoops or play golf by being a Big Brother or Sister, you'd be AMAZED at the impact that has on these young children as they develop into later years. Think about it - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District - or any in your area. 

Thanks to Mayor Jeff Lehman of taking a photo of his lovely wife Jenn, myself and Chief Greenwood chatting. Funny he captured as we were chuckling because our conversation was about the funny/odd stuff our husbands do. Here's his tweet:

 Jenn with @RealtorChicky and Chief Greenwood at tonight's celebration for 100yrs of Big Brothers Big Sisters! pic.twitter.com/rcsWuCzdFF

— Jeff Lehman (@Mayor_Jeff) February 1, 2014