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Moms will feel special thanks with Shoebox gift continued from p.1 Diamond adopted The Shoebox Project, a not-for-profit initiative that started in Toronto by four sisters-in-law four years ago. The Oakville resident said she was inspired to host her own drive to help support women in local shelters by providing them with necessities and treats they may not otherwise receive. It was about two years ago that she attended a similar event in Toronto during the Christmas holidays and learned about how many women across Canada have taken it upon themselves to collect small gifts that are packed in shoeboxes and distributed to women in shelters just before Christmas and Mother's Day. "These shoeboxes let the women know they are special," said Diamond, who has lived in southeast Oakville for eight years. "They are filled with items that a woman needs to support her family as well as items she would enjoy, but not splurge on for herself in times of difficulty." Diamond said the idea simply resonated with her, prompting her to contact The Shoebox Project on how to get started. "It intrigued me because it originated with women. It benefits women in your community and it gathers together other women who contribute to it and love the idea that it's something tangible, it's something thoughtful and the rewards are instant," she said. Over the last few months she's been reaching out to her friends, family, acquaintances and local businesses, all of whom, she said, have been overwhelmingly supportive about participating and providing donations. She said many are involving their children as a way to educate them on the importance of giving back to the local community. Diamond said she's learned through the shelter and KSM that what women most appreciate are grocery gift certificates that enable them to get milk and fresh produce for their families. They also appreciate Tim Hortons' gift cards, makeup, lotions and snacks they wouldn't necessarily "splurge" on. "It's a gesture that reconnects them to the community and reminds them that they deserve to feel special," she said. She hopes to be able to compile 60 boxes. Her drive is one of two in Oakville, with the other being hosted by Oakville dentist Dr. Christopher Blair's practice at Dorval Crossing on North Service Road West. Collectively, the two hope to have 80 boxes delivered to mothers who use Kerr Street Ministries programs and Halton Women's Place services. For more information, visit www. shoeboxproject.com. 3 | Friday, May 9, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville resident Susie Diamond is collecting Shoebox Project donations from friends and acquaintances for the The Shoebox Project for Shelters. It is a non-for-profit initiative that collects small gifts that are packaged in shoeboxes, and distributes them to women in shelters just before a holiday. Gearing up for Mother's Day are, from left, Susie Diamond, Kelly Clark, Debbie Jones, Jodi French and Celina Close. | photo by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) inside today's Editorial Sports Beaver www.insideHALTON.com 6 26 Artscene Classified 24 31 City Parent Holland Park Garden Home Hardware Rabba, Dr. Green Services Gym Magic Sport Clips 1-844-Colours Starsky Fine Foods Mrs. Green's *All flyers not necessarily delivered to all homes For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com MAY DAZE 50 % SALE OFF Get 50% off the following Zumba · Yoga · Line Dancing That's as low as $8.18 / class. Call Now. Offer ends May 31/14. www.comedancing.ca · 905.339.3373 · 609 Ford Dr. ( S. E. corner at Royal Windsor ) summEr moda. ExpEriEncE finE, EuropEan mEnswEar collEctions, ExpErt altErations and profEssional advicE, right in thE hEart of oakvillE's hEritagE corE. comE in today to sEE thE nEw storE and Exciting nEw stylEs of summEr . Sore Feet, Sports Injury, Painful Ingrown Toenails? Plantar Warts? We can help! Exceptional footcare for all ages. · Routine footcare · Corns & calluses · Plantar warts · Heel/arch/foot pain · Diabetic footcare and education · Thick or ingrown nails · Nail surgery · Sports related foot problems & injuries · Custom made orthotics · Sigvaris® compression stockings · Evenings and saturday appointments available · New patients welcome! J. Richard Werkman CHIROPODIST summEr at Burrows Now offering Laser treatment for toenail fungus. located on the north/west corner of maple grove dr. and cornwall rd. 1495 Cornwall Rd., Suite 33, Oakville T: 905-845-4817 www.werkman.ca 905.842.0232 burrowsclothiers.com 200 lakeshore road e, oakville