Toronto-based gifting company, Foodiepages, officially launches its “Gratitude Gift Box” on Tuesday, December 1st. The limited-edition box showcases 10 women-owned small businesses and includes Canadian-made wellness products for restoring inner balance and adapting to stress. To celebrate “Giving Tuesday” on December 1st, Foodiepages will be donating 15% of Gratitude Gift Box sales to Nellie’s Administration – a charity based in Toronto that provides programs and support services for women and children who have and are experiencing violence, poverty and homelessness.  

“While 2020 has affected all of us in different ways, the pandemic has been particularly tough on women-owned small businesses,” said Erin Maynes, Founder, and CEO of Foodiepages. “This holiday shopping season has the potential to make or break many of these companies and in light of Giving Tuesday, we are taking the time to celebrate the gift of giving and local generosity. It’s an opportunity for us to showcase local, female entrepreneurs  while giving back to our community.”  

An analysis from a nationwide survey of women, visible minorities, indigenous, LGBTQ+,  refugee, and immigrant entrepreneurs has revealed that these groups have experienced a  greater economic impact from COVID-19. The results from the survey titled, Falling Through  The Cracks, conducted by the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) and Dream Legacy Foundation (DLF), revealed the following:  

• 53% of women entrepreneurs have experienced an additional burden of childcare as  opposed to only 12% of male entrepreneurs  
• 50% of underrepresented respondents indicated a 10-20% decrease in revenue,  compared to only 22% of small businesses and entrepreneurs across Canada 
• 16% of underrepresented respondents reported an 80% decrease in revenue. 
• 61% of Women-owned businesses reported a loss of contracts, customers, and clients.  In contrast, 34% of businesses across Canada report cancellation of contracts 
• Inability to access government programs and benefits  

“Since founding Foodiepages nearly a decade ago, it has been our mission to curate consciously, with a passion for connecting consumers to small businesses. Every product included in our boxes has purpose and meaning, and each time you purchase a box, you are supporting multiple local brands across the country,” said Erin Maynes. “It is more important than ever that we really consider where we’re purchasing our products and think about the  ways in which we can help these businesses stay afloat.”  

The Gratitude Gift Box retails for $99.00 and includes beloved Toronto brands such as Bee keeper’s Naturals, Jing Well, Radford Studio, Sitti, Amalusta, Gldn Hour, and more. For more information, please visit foodiepages.com.