The Youth Shoebox Project needs you!
2022 should see our 2,000th box! Can you help? Will it be yours? Whether you are a school, an organisation or an individual, all contributions are welcome. Despite Covid 19 restrictions, we collected and distributed a record 426 boxes in 2021, making that a grand total of 1,973 since we began.
Originally imagined by two inspiring young women from Winmalee High School, the Youth Shoebox Project, now continues as a partnership between disability provider, Able2 and the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group. It remains a collaborative, mountains-made project by young people for young people. The project offers the chance to welcome and show generosity to children from families seeking refuge and asylum, spreading love, support and connection to them at Christmas. Each box contains something to love; something for school; something for personal hygiene; something to play with, something to wear and finally something special a great opportunity to get creative. Even our local politicians and our mayor stepped in and made some exciting boxes, last year. As an added bonus, two students have also gained a scholarship to university, because of their orchestration of the project within their schools.
Each year we witness what a huge difference the boxes can make to the lives of both giver and receiver. Watching the joy on someone’s face as they open a shoebox can be a very uplifting experience. Whether they are newly arrived or have been here for a while, it is an important acknowledgement that those seeking asylum or refuge here in Australia, are seen and not forgotten. A message of welcome alone, can have a powerful effect on someone and is often the most treasured item in the box.
If you would like to get involved, all contributions are welcome, big and small, whether it’s a completed box; a single item; a collection of things or even a donation towards these. Writing a message; dropping off some wrapping paper or volunteering to wrap and sort boxes are also greatly appreciated. Pick up an empty box or drop off your contribution anytime during office hours until the morning of Thursday 8th December at Able2’s offices, Unit 6, 7-9, Raymond Rd. Springwood.
DOWNLOAD: Youth Shoebox Flyer
For further information, for our flyer and updates, see our Facebook page: Youth Shoebox Project, contact jackie@bmrsg.org.au / sue@able2.net.au. Details are also available on Able2’s website under the ‘Contact Us- Community Responsibility’ menu.
Jackie Mayers- BMRSG volunteer
Sue Campbell Ross – C.E.O. Able2.
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