I am writing to thank and celebrate Greater Victoria residents for spreading joy to children around the world this Christmas season. The generosity of Victoria volunteers, families and groups paved the way to collect over 5,800 shoebox gifts for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child – the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. Our community’s shoeboxes contributed to 664,525 shoeboxes collected across Canada.
In November 2015, Maria Caston, an OCC volunteer, exceeded her goal of packing 100 gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Despite a diagnosis of terminal cancer, nothing stopped Maria from reaching her goal and touching children’s lives around the world. Donations came from all over – women knit and men crafted. Her goal of 100 shoeboxes was exceeded by 20 extra boxes.
Maria lost her battle to cancer soon after she finished the shoeboxes but her heart and her love for the less fortunate will forever stay with us. Her message before she passed away shows her compassion and love for others but also her commitment to OCC. “Take risks, challenge yourself and your life will be fuller and your faith will increase. Be the one that lives out the life and shows God’s love. About the shoeboxes, the impact is tremendous and to know how those little gifts have such huge impact is so rewarding. Make it a box of love.” (Maria Caston, November 2015)
The gift-filled shoeboxes are tangible expressions of God’s love for children around the world suffering from poverty, natural disaster, war, disease and famine. These children, many of whom have never received a gift before, learn they are loved and not forgotten. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 135 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories.
It’s not too late for people to make a difference. Anyone can conveniently pack a personalized Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift online at samaritanspurse.ca/occ.
Thank you to everyone who packed a gift-filled shoebox, and for those who do so year after year. These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message of hope and continue to transform the lives of children worldwide.
Anamaria Laturnus
Operation Christmas Child – Victoria