The Windsor Basketeers have officially launched their 2025 campaign, marking a renewed community effort to support women and families rebuilding their lives after fleeing domestic violence.
Providing a Fresh Start for Survivors
Many women escaping abusive relationships are forced to leave with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, facing the overwhelming challenge of establishing a new home from scratch. The Windsor Basketeers program directly addresses this critical need by encouraging donors to assemble practical household baskets.
The initiative provides essential goods that women need when transitioning from Hiatus House women's shelter to their own safe housing. As program coordinator Mary-Ann Stark explained, the situation is often desperate, with some women fleeing in the middle of the night with absolutely nothing.
Community Partnership and Awareness
The campaign launch on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Essex Home Hardware served a dual purpose: kicking off the annual donation drive and raising awareness for Woman Abuse Prevention Month throughout November.
Hiatus House executive director Sylvie Guenther emphasized that November provides a crucial opportunity to engage the broader community in conversations about ending abuse towards women. The partnership with local businesses like Essex Home Hardware, which offered discounts on the required clear lidded plastic totes, strengthens this community-wide effort.
The baskets, now requested in stackable plastic totes rather than traditional laundry baskets for easier storage, contain vital household items for setting up a new home. These include kitchenware, bathroom supplies, bedding, cleaning products, and general household tools.
How to Support the 2025 Campaign
The Windsor Basketeers are accepting donations of new or nearly new household items in perfect condition. Donors are asked to secure a list of contents to the outside of their tote and are encouraged to include a personal note of encouragement.
The program has made a significant impact since the Windsor chapter began in 2019, with 288 baskets and $8,800 in gift cards already donated to Hiatus House.
The community is invited to participate in the final drop-off event on November 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at The Safety Village, located at 7911 Forest Glade Drive. For more information or to register as a donor, community members can visit basketeers.org/chapter/windsor.
