DONATING goods to the homeless in a shoebox is an appealing idea. A practical way to 'do your bit' to help homeless people while also spreading some Christmas cheer, it all began when Sinead Dowds (26), a trainee manager at the Empire Music Hall in south Belfast, was leaving work one night.
She explains: "I'd be coming out of the Empire at two or three in the morning and I'd see homeless people on the streets of Botanic [Avenue]. The contrast with the people enjoying themselves in the club was stark. It saddened and frustrated me that we had this situation in Belfast. I just don't think homelessness should happen so I decided to do something about it."
What Sinead did was start her homeless Christmas shoebox appeal. It's a small gesture but it works.
"A lot of people want to help others but they don't know how. This simple idea allows them to donate clothes, toiletries, stuff that people on the streets need."
The shoebox campaign has grown from its launch on Facebook last month. Sinead reports that nearly 60 shoeboxes were collected from the 30 pick-up points on the first run. Companies are supporting the intiative, as are schools.
As Sinead points out, shoebox giving is a bit of fun and includes the pleasure of helping those in trouble. The University of Ulster graduate in media and business says she has always been passionate about volunteering. "I'd often give people on the streets cups of coffee but wanted to do something about the issue as a whole."
Partnering with the 100 Help the Homeless charity, Sinead has access to distribution routes and will be donating a percentage of what comes in to residents at Simon Community hostels.
The response to her appeal gives the lie to the notion that Northern Ireland might be suffering from compassion fatigue following stories about anti-immigrant demonstrations and hate crimes. Not a bit of it – we still have a lot of heart, according to Sinead: "Our Facebook site has had 1,000 likes a week. And it really doesn't matter what background anyone is from, what colour they are or what religious background – we give them help if they need it.
"The generosity has been amazing, maybe because people realise homelessness could happen to any of us. I have been overwhelmed by the support."
There's an art in this kind of giving too. "We ask for decorated shoeboxes and people can include wrapping paper so our volunteers will wrap them. I've asked everyone to include a Christmas card as well."
Sinead has encouraged her family to provide three boxes and they've filled them with a range of goods. "We put in hats, socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, plus a little radio and a book..."
Through 100 Help the Homeless, Sinead has met volunteers who are themselves homeless. "Some of the stories are heartbreaking. I definitely want this to become an annual event, as the need is there. The problem doesn't go away."
:: For more details and to find out how to donate, see facebook.com/homelessshoeboxappealbelfast/.
