A New Direction For Envato-Sponsored Initiative, New Day Box

At Envato, New Day Box is a cause close to our hearts. A not-for-profit organization built to support women escaping domestic violence, many staff across the Envato business regularly volunteer their time to bring this incredible initiative to life – whether it be working with affiliated charities, organizing packing parties, or even packing New Day Boxes themselves. However, to meet the ongoing challenges of a post-pandemic society, a new direction for New Day Box might be just around the corner. 

Here’s how New Day Box is changing how they’re sourcing items for women in need…

A not-for-profit organization built around supporting women escaping domestic violence, New Day Box is a simple yet impactful way to support women in crisis and bring some light into their darkest moments. Run entirely by volunteers, New Day Box packs and delivers care packages filled with skincare, cosmetics, treats, and other goodies to women in need via SafeSteps. 

“The goal of New Day Box is to reach women in crisis and lift their spirits,” explains Michelle Drake, Envato Vibe Team Coordinator, and Brent Thomson, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner. “Our mission is to give the gift of hope and send a message of support during a time of need showing these women that there is always a new day around the corner.”

In early November 2013, New Day Box founder Cyan Ta’eed – co-founder of Envato – came across Canadian not-for-profit, The Shoebox Project. It seemed like a simple and powerful concept, and she wondered whether something similar would work in Victoria. She shared the idea with some friends and colleagues, and within hours, New Day Box was born.

Eight years on, New Day Box has donated thousands of boxes to Safe Steps and their charity partners, thanks to the generosity of Envato team members involved in the initiative and the wider community who have thoughtfully put together New Day boxes for women in crisis. 

While the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 crisis forced New Day Box to postpone its usual operations, the organization quickly adapted its process to fit the ever-changing societal landscape. 

“Like for many organisations, the pandemic brought some unique and complex challenges for New Day Box,” says Brent. “In the past, we heavily relied upon donations and reaching out to our networks, something we didn’t feel was the right course of action during the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the course of the pandemic, New Day Box created New Day Beauty bags, complete with skincare, cosmetics, and treats selected by the committee members. New Day Box’s key motivation is to continue supporting women in crisis, while also making sure we’re keeping everyone safe.”

With health and safety a top priority, New Day Box is continuing to support women in need while working around the impacts of the global pandemic. However, the organization is hoping to re-open donations up to the public as soon as possible. 

“While we’re disappointed we couldn’t include donations from the incredible wider New Day Box community, we’re so pleased that we can continue to make a positive impact for so many women in need,” Michelle continues. “We’re so very grateful for the generosity and support we’ve experienced in previous years, this kindness and commitment to our project has made a huge difference. This year, we’re hoping to continue receiving support and donations from the broader community to continue the New Day Box initiative.”

To follow New Day Box’s new direction as it develops, head to their website & social media for updates on how they’re continuing to provide hope and support to women in need. You can also visit the SafeSteps website to find out more about offering further support or donating directly.