3 years ago I started a "shoebox project" for the Parry Sound area. The Shoebox Project us a provincial project started in southwestern ontario to provide gifts to women in shelters. I signed up to be a coordinator and all was well until this year. I didn't meet the requirements of the Shoebox Project by sending photos and by giving to children as well. Nothing against the Shoebox Project, they do awesome work and I commend them. I decided to continue doing what I do every year for women who have experienced abuse of any form and those have mental health struggles as well as their children. Hence I renamed my campaign, The Festive Presence Campaign.
It's not about presents but about PRESENCE!
It's about giving presence to the women in our communities that feel inferior, that lack confidence, that struggle to fit in.
I remember being a young woman with mental health issues and walking through a grocery store or down the street feeling alone as I walked by "successful" women. How I wished I had what they had. I wanted the manicures/pedicures, I wanted the makeup, the perfume, the clothing.......the confidence. I the end the confidence was what was lacking but I needed what I perceived as confidence building to get there.
When I finally was in a position to buy my own makeup, perfume, clothing......confidence I knew that I could walk down the street feeling like I belong. The ladies around me had no idea I still felt totally inferior. They saw me as an equal and then I could act as an equal.
It's not about presents, it's about Presence.
If we can give something to ladies who are struggling to help them feel confident in stepping out into their communities as equals we have done a good thing. Better yet, if we can help them feel accomplished by ensuring their kids have the 4 essentials of christmas:
1. Something they want
2. Something they need
3. Something they wear
4. Something they read
We have done a good thing X2.
I thank each and every single person who had supported my cause in even the slightest way for the past three years. I am pleased to be delivering gifts again this year because all of you are so generous.
There are so many great people in this world. GOD bless you all.
Through giving, you are a silent PRESENCE in the lives of others.
