Help us share warmth, comfort, and dignity this holiday season.
Each year, YW Kitchener-Waterloo supports women, children, and gender-diverse individuals who are spending the holidays in shelter or transitional housing. Your generosity makes a real difference—bringing care, connection, and dignity to those navigating crisis during what should be a season of peace.
We are collecting gift box items, high-need essentials, and small comforts to distribute to clients in our programs.
Please contact the YW by phone at 519-576-8856 ext. 0 or by email general@ywkw.ca if you would like more information about our donation process and to make arrangements to deliver donations.
Every item donated helps bring comfort, dignity, and relief to a woman or family spending the holidays in shelter or transitional housing.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Bar of soap or body wash
Hairbrush, comb, or hair clips
Scarves, hats, mitts
Cozy socks and slippers
New underwear, pyjamas, or loungewear
Deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion
Reusable water bottles
Kleenex, paper towels, or toilet paper
Cleaning wipes and disinfectant spray
Gift cards to Tim Hortons, Walmart, grocery stores, or local restaurants ($10–$25)
Notebooks, journals, and pens
Lip balm or hand cream
Individually wrapped holiday treats or chocolate
Want to see the full list of most-needed items?
View Our Complete Holiday & Year-Round Wishlist
Prefer to make a financial contribution?
Donate Online to support our emergency shelter, housing, and community programs directly.
Thank you for helping us make this holiday season brighter for the women, children, and gender-diverse individuals we support.
In order for you to receive a tax receipt for your donation of new items on our wish list, a valid proof of purchase is required. If you would like a tax receipt, please contact us prior to making your purchases to make arrangements. The YW is not able to accept donations of furniture, used toys and baby items. These, and other items not on the wish list, may be donated to Thrift on Kent or the Salvation Army Thrift Store.
For delivery of holiday wish list items, contact the YW by email: general@ywkw.ca or by phone: 519-576-8856 ext. 0.
Administrative Office
153 Frederick Street
Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2
Phone: (519) 576-8856
Email: general@ywkw.ca
Charitable Number: 118987643RR0001
