Allstate has always believed in supporting charities and organizations aligned with our values. That’s why our partnership with The Shoebox Project for Women is the perfect fit.
The Shoebox Project was created to support and empower women who have been displaced and make them feel less alone, especially during the holiday season. Their mission matches our beliefs, and we’re proud to support the incredible work they’re doing. We’re also excited to mark a five-year milestone of working together.
Over the years, our dedicated agents, employees, customers, and members of the community have generously given their time and donated gifts to this meaningful cause. They’ve assembled, collected and distributed shoeboxes filled with gifts, such as toiletries, scarves, jewellery and chocolates, to women impacted by homelessness in communities across Canada. The shoeboxes, which often include a little heartfelt note of encouragement, can help enhance self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation for women who are struggling.
But this year is different. The challenges we face in 2020 have made it impossible to come together as we have in the past to get involved in this initiative. While our commitment to our communities is unwavering, we’ve had to ask ourselves how we can still make an impact without physically being able to participate.
Thinking outside the box
In an effort to keep volunteers and communities safe during the pandemic, The Shoebox Project has had to think outside the shoebox, so to speak. This year, they’re taking their project virtual.
That means instead of physical shoeboxes, The Shoebox Project will be collecting donations and gift cards. These ‘virtual gifts’ can be more safely distributed by volunteers, and allow recipients to get themselves the essentials they need most.
Their goal for this year is to continue to spread kindness and compassion to as many local women experiencing homelessness as possible by providing holiday gifts, basic essentials and messages of support, letting them know that although they may be isolated, they are not alone.
As part of Allstate’s commitment to help spread awareness of The Shoebox Project and the issues faced by women impacted by homelessness, the Allstate Foundation of Canada will be donating $25,000 to the organization.
In addition to the donation, Allstate Canada has launched its Month of Goodness in an effort to drive volunteerism and donations for organizations in need. Allstate will be matching employee donations to The Shoebox Project Gift Card Fund up to $250 per person.
For employees looking to deepen their support for women receiving gifts from The Shoebox Project, they will be crafting cards virtually, which will be shared with women in the community.
A little gift goes a long way
For women who have been displaced from their homes and estranged from their families, the holiday season can be particularly challenging. Women in shelters often report feeling disconnected from society, invisible and alone.
With social distancing and other restrictions in place, the pandemic will make this holiday season even more difficult for these women. That’s why this year especially, our support can have a tremendous positive impact.
Despite the shift to virtual giving and support in this year’s program, The Shoebox Project and Allstate will continue working towards the same goal: to spread kindness and compassion to as many local women experiencing homelessness as possible, and let them know that although they may be isolated, they are not alone.
How you can help
If you would like to get involved and help us support this wonderful cause, visit The Shoebox Project to see how you can make a difference to women in your community. Thanks for your support. We wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season.