At Toques From The Heart, giving back isn’t a seasonal campaign, it’s the core of who we are. For every toque purchased, whether it’s a retail order, a corporate gift, or a custom campus collaboration, one toque is donated to a Canadian experiencing homelessness.
But what actually happens after your purchase? Where do those toques go? And how do they reach the people who need them most?
In this post, we’re pulling back the curtain on our donation process to show you how every order helps make a real difference.
Step 1: Partnering With Trusted Organizations
We work with over 100 nonprofit partners across Canada, from large city shelters to smaller grassroots outreach groups. These organizations are on the front lines, helping individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
Each partner is carefully selected to ensure our donations are going directly into the hands of people who need them. Whether it’s through a shelter distribution program, street outreach team, warming centre, or youth resource hub, we focus on impact with intention.
Step 2: Matching Donations With Local Need
Every year, we review partner requests and adjust donation quantities based on climate, location, and demand. For example, organizations in colder regions like Winnipeg or Ottawa may receive more toques earlier in the season, while shelters in coastal areas might need ongoing top-ups as new residents arrive.
We also make sure to provide the same quality toques that we sell. Our donation toques are warm, stylish, and dignified, because everyone deserves to feel valued, no matter their circumstances.
Step 3: Shipping and Coordinating Drop-Offs
Once quantities are confirmed, we handle all the logistics, from packing and labeling to shipping and tracking. For organizations located near our team, we often personally deliver the toques, building relationships with the people who do this work every day.
Many of our partners host community events or outreach nights where they distribute toques alongside other essentials like socks, hygiene kits, or warm meals. Our toques are part of that bigger system of care.
Step 4: Sharing Stories of Impact
We regularly receive photos, videos, and heartfelt thank-you messages from our partner organizations. These stories remind us that behind every toque is a real person - someone who felt cold, unseen, or forgotten, and who was given a moment of comfort.
We share these stories with our community not for praise, but to show you exactly what your support means. When you choose a toque from us, you’re not just getting a product. You’re becoming part of a story of kindness, resilience, and warmth.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Over 35,000 Canadians experience homelessness on any given night. And that number continues to grow as housing costs rise and shelter systems face more pressure.
A toque might seem small, but for someone living outdoors or transitioning through temporary housing, it can be a symbol of dignity and care. It’s not just about staying warm. It’s about knowing someone out there thought of you.
Thank You for Making It Possible
If you’ve bought a toque, placed a corporate order, or partnered with us through your school or organization, you’ve helped deliver warmth to someone who truly needed it.
Your support allows us to scale our donations, expand our reach, and form new partnerships across the country. And together, we are creating a Canada where staying warm is a shared responsibility.
✔️ See Our Partner Map
✔️ Learn More About Our Donation Process
✔️ Shop Toques That Give Back