YQGgreen Members Bring Warmth To The Windsor Essex Community

YQGgreen is reminding the community that meaningful giving doesn’t have to mean buying new.

Many of us have more winter accessories than we use: extra scarves, mittens, or toques tucked away in a drawer.

Now until Tuesday, December 16, 2025 The Downtown Mission and our YQGgreen members are working together to gather gently used items to help many in need and often living outdoors.

For those who may not have extra winterwear at home but still wish to contribute, YQGgreen recommends visiting local thrift stores. Purchasing gently used items not only stretches household budgets but also supports circular economy efforts that keep resources in use and out of landfills.

“The Downtown Mission is grateful to all the YQGgreen Partners who are coming together this Christmas Season to help keep men and women and youth warm at The Downtown Mission and at The Windsor Youth Centre,” says Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, Executive Director The Downtown Mission. “We are happy to be a part of this group of community partners who work together making Windsor-Essex a greener, safer and happier place for all. We appreciate our partners’ help in providing warmth and safety to vulnerable individuals who come to our facilities for food, shelter and hope, especially at this time of the year when the needs usually seem to outnumber the resources!”

YQGgreen is a collaborative network of local organizations dedicated to sustainability and community well-being, is rallying its members and partners this holiday season to support individuals and families in need across Windsor-Essex.

This initiative encourages residents to pass along gently used items to help neighbours stay warm while reducing textile waste and promoting a more sustainable, circular future.

Donation Drop-Off

Community members are invited to drop off their gently used mittens, scarves, and toques anytime from now until Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Absolute Comfort located at 4080 North Service Road, Windsor, ON.

All donated items will directly support The Downtown Mission and the Windsor Youth Hub, two organizations providing essential services to vulnerable individuals in our region.

With many households facing ongoing economic challenges, This community-driven initiative is proudly supported by the Hampton Inn & Suites on Huron Church Road, which has generously offered space for YQGgreen’s year-end meeting and donation drop-off. Members and partners have already contributed boxes of winter essentials, demonstrating the collective power of compassion and collaboration.

“We don’t just keep our community warm at home, we also help keep warm those in need with this great initiative by our friends at YQGgreen,” says Andrew Hazzard, Operations Manager, Absolute Comfort Heating & Cooling.

YQGgreen invites members, partners, and residents across Windsor Essex to participate by donating winter items or hosting small collection drives at workplaces, schools, or neighbourhood groups. Even one extra pair of mittens can make a meaningful difference to someone facing the cold this winter.

Elizabeth Elias-Hernandez, Founder of YQGgreen comments: “I am so grateful to have a caring group of individuals and organizations that not only care about our environment but also the people who live in it. Working together, we make a bigger impact for our community.”