The Windsor-Essex community demonstrated remarkable generosity this past weekend, delivering an overwhelming response to the 14th annual Rotary Clubs "socks and bottoms" campaign during a major drop-off event.
An Overwhelming Show of Community Support
Organizers described the public turnout on Saturday, November 29, 2025, as exceptionally strong. Andy Torock, President of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Walkerville, noted that while every year sees solid support, this year's community engagement was particularly powerful.
"Not saying last year was a bad year, or any other year was a bad year, but this year was an overwhelming year," Torock stated. He connected the surge in donations to a growing public awareness of need within the region. "I think the need is a little bit more visible. Everywhere you go... people are seeing it a lot more. A lot of people are asking, ‘How do I make a difference? How can I contribute?’"
Sorting and Distributing Essential Items
Following the campaign's launch on October 25, community members brought boxes of crucial donations to Windsor’s Caboto Club. From there, the items were transported to the Windsor Centre for Film, Digital Media & the Creative Arts downtown. Volunteers, including Lyric Lau, a community engagement specialist at The Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope, worked to sort and store the donations for wider distribution.
Joan Pocock, the Rotarian who chairs the annual campaign, emphasized the profound impact of simple items. "People know the dire straits that some people are in. I mean, one pair of socks keeps one person’s feet warm. The bad weather is coming, and people need to have warm hands, warm feet."
A Network of Local Charities to Benefit
The collected essentials—including new socks, underwear, diapers, and feminine hygiene products—are destined for approximately 32 charities across Windsor and Essex County. These organizations will prepare the items for direct delivery to individuals and families facing hardship.
Pocock highlighted the spirit of volunteerism, with around 20 to 25 volunteers assisting on Saturday. "In Rotary, it’s not just a monetary thing. It’s giving your time. So, you feel so good, and it took nothing, just a few hours of your time."
The list of participating charities is extensive, ensuring aid reaches diverse corners of the community. Recipients include:
- The Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families
- The Soup Shack and Salvation Army
- Windsor Youth Centre and Children’s Aid Society
- Matthew House, Hiatus House, and St Leonard House
- Windsor House for Young Men and Milo Pregnancy Centre
- House of Guadeloupe and Windsor Regional Hospital Clothing Closet
- Canada Mental Health Association and Harrow Community Food Bank
- Windsor Homes Coalition
The campaign's success underscores a community-wide effort to address basic human needs with compassion and direct action, providing warmth and dignity as the winter season approaches.