A project that began just over a year ago by James Symons of Thorold has grown in size and stature across Niagara.
Symons noticed that there was a lack of support specifically for men who are experiencing homelessness or poverty, so last November he decided to do something about it.
He began the Toolbox Niagara project which packages up essential items, like hygiene products, socks, mitts and scarves, that these men may lack. Symons also asks for some fun items to be included like puzzles, books or decks of cards.
In the past Symons spearheaded Thorold’s Rubber Boot Drive for six years, raising which raised $60,000 for Community Care and the Niagara Life Centre
When he started the Toolbox program, Symons told Thorold News he was inspired to give by his grandmother.
“My grandma always taught my dad and me to give back. Her husband died when my dad was very young. She worked hard and didn’t have the assistance like they have today but always made sure she shared,” he said.
Once the project was launched, schools, churches, sports groups and others soon jumped on board and last year, Symons reported, they delivered 360 boxes.
This year he set the goal to 500 boxes and reported that they did reach that mark.
A chance meeting between Niagara District School Board youth counsellor, Dina Paone of Thorold and Symons inspired her to in get some of her students involved.
“My friend, Kara Hale, is with the TAAA (Thorold Amateur Athletic Association). Kara got some of their hockey teams involved so I heard about the program from her. Then I happened to meet James and offered to help,” said Paone.
Paone brought the idea to Jacob Beam school in Beamsville.
“The Grade 8s have to take on a community project so five of the boys took this one on. Their class packaged the boxes but the whole school contributed. The boys got the school involved by assigning each class items to bring in to prevent duplication,” explained Paone.
She continued, “Tons of items were collected and 33 full toolboxes were collected plus a lot of other left over items that were given to the project to be added to other boxes. Mr. Murphy’s grade 8 class decorated the boxes with amazing artwork and inspirational messages and quotes.”
