Windsor Basketeers deliver record donations to Hiatus House

By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

Christmas came early for Hiatus House as Windsor Basketeers dropped off 91 baskets and $2,350 in gift cards during the sixth annual basket collection event hosted by The Safety Village.

The Windsor Basketeers are part of a national volunteer organization that provides shelter women with baskets filled with personal and household items to help them transition into new homes.

Since the Windsor chapter launched in 2019, the initiative has donated 288 baskets and $8,800 in gift cards to Hiatus House, a local shelter supporting victims of domestic violence.

Mary-Ann Stark, who leads the Windsor chapter, credited the Rotary Club of Windsor-Walkerville with helping get the first campaign off the ground. This year, she worked alongside new Basketeers Navdeep Pabla, a local nurse practitioner, and Jody Meeke, a semi-retired Windsorite inspired by a friend involved with Basketeers’ Huron chapter. Their collective efforts raised community awareness and exceeded expectations, more than doubling the annual goal of 42 baskets.

“The local media was great in helping us spread the word,” said Stark. “I guess we reached the right people because the number of incredible baskets we ended up receiving is beyond amazing! We are extremely grateful.”

Though the campaign coincides with the holiday season, the baskets are distributed throughout the year as women transition from the shelter to safe homes. Stark emphasized that the initiative addresses an ongoing need as gender-based violence continues to rise.

“Each basket includes a supportive note from the donor,” Stark added. “There’s no judgment, no advice. Just a message that lets the women know how brave they are and that they are on the path to a new and better life.”

Hiatus House staff say the gesture provides tangible support and emotional encouragement to women rebuilding their lives.