Walden Circle Retirement Community is a proud participant in the 2019 Holiday Drive for Mississauga (The Shoebox Project) and a drop-off location.

The Shoebox Project for Shelters collects and distributes gifts in the form of Shoeboxes to women who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness in communities across Canada.

For women who have been displaced from their homes and estranged from their families, the holiday can be a particularly challenging time. A Shoebox gift is a powerful reminder for a woman that she has not been forgotten and that she remains a valued and respected member of her community.

Suggested items to include:

• Something warm: socks, mitts, scarf, hat, hand warmers
• Helpful items for warmer months: sunscreen, reusable water bottle
• Something sweet: nut-free chocolate and candy (not alcohol-filled)
• Cough drops, multivitamins
• Body or hand lotion, soaps, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Brush, comb, shampoo, conditioner
• Nail polish, mascara, eye shadow, lipstick, lip balm
• Purse-sized Kleenex, small cosmetic bag
• Gift cards (Tim Hortons, Shoppers, McDonalds, etc.) Please write the amount on the card or include the receipt
• Subway tokens and bus tickets
• Shower shoes, soap & toothbrush holder
• Journals, colouring books, pens, coloured pencils
• Supportive message

Please do NOT Include:

• Used goods and hotel samples are not the type of items to make someone feel special and loved
• Sized clothing (i.e. S, M, L, XL) should not be included because beautiful women come in all different sizes
• Mouthwash or hand-sanitizers containing alcohol
• Bubble bath or bath bombs, as most shelters do not have bathtubs
• Candles
• Foundations or concealers should not be included because each person has a unique skin tone
• Razors
• Jumbo-sized containers
• Books
• Feminine hygiene products
• Anything opened or not packaged