News & Topics

Established in 2023, YMCA’s Charity Panel’s mission is to inform, inspire and mobilize Team Yamaha to participate in charitable activities that align with our core values. The Charity Panel’s vision is to create a culture of giving back that every team member embraces from coast to coast. With these in mind, the Charity Panel chose to support the Shoebox Project for Women (Canada) as our first quarter fundraising initiative in 2024.

Why Shoebox Project for Women? It is an unaffiliated, non-religious, Canadian charity that supports women experiencing or at-risk-of homelessness, as well as celebrating diversity, building awareness, challenging stigma and promoting equity. Shoebox Project builds compassionate and connected communities through volunteer-led gift drives (shoeboxes) that benefit women impacted by homelessness.

With a goal to build and fill 30 boxes to donate, the Charity Panel invited all Team Yamaha members to bring in needed items and shoeboxes, and/or to give their time to help “build” shoeboxes. Since Shoebox Project for Women is a national charity, remote Team Yamaha members could also participate by building a “virtual shoebox” (make a monetary donation) for their local chapter.

So, how did we do? On February 27, we “built,” filled and wrapped 31 shoeboxes, each containing a hand-written, inspirational message. A portion of these were distributed at a Homeless Connect Toronto event on March 5, supporting International Women’s Day 2024. YMCA was then recognized by Shoebox Project for Women on their social media channels on March 28.

The remainder of our shoeboxes will be shipped and distributed to HIV-positive women – mostly mothers and 90% from marginalized communities - via ACT (AIDS Committee of Toronto). This agency works to reduce new HIV infections in Toronto and promote independence, dignity, health and well-being.

The Charity Panel will also be supporting Shoebox Project for Women (Canada) by becoming a community sponsor for the GTA Toronto North Chapter with a $5,000 donation. Our sponsorship of this local Shoebox Project Chapter directly supports women impacted by homelessness in our community. Our sponsorship will be featured on the Chapter’s website and in their social channels for April and beyond.

Caroline Lyons, Yamaha Motor Canada (YMCA)