The Knickers Project: Supporting Women One Donation at a Time

We are incredibly proud to introduce The Knickers Project, an initiative focused on supporting local women’s shelters through the collection of new underwear donations for women in need.

For many women fleeing violence or unsafe situations, leaving home often happens with little warning and few belongings. Women arriving at shelters are often carrying only the essentials they could quickly gather, sometimes just the clothes they are wearing. In these moments, women’s shelters become a place of safety, support, healing, and rebuilding.

Across Canada, shelters work tirelessly to provide emergency housing, meals, counselling, advocacy, and basic necessities for women and children escaping domestic violence and crisis situations. While many generous donations are made throughout the year, there are still certain items that remain critically under-donated despite being urgently needed every single day.

One of the most requested items in shelters is new underwear.

Although it may seem like a small item, underwear is a basic necessity that provides dignity, comfort, hygiene, and a sense of personal care during an incredibly vulnerable time. Unlike coats, sweaters, or gently used clothing, underwear must be donated new, which often makes it less likely to be contributed during traditional donation drives.

Many people think first about donating larger items such as clothing, toiletries, or household goods, but shelters consistently report that underwear remains one of the hardest essentials to keep stocked. The reality is simple: every woman deserves access to clean, comfortable necessities, especially during times of crisis and transition.

That is why we created The Knickers Project.

What started as a simple idea quickly became something much bigger. We wanted to use the strength of our hockey community to support women in a meaningful and practical way. Hockey brings people together through teamwork, support, and community, and we saw an opportunity to extend those values beyond the rink.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of teammates, friends, family members, tournament organizers, and supporters, we are proud to share that we have already collected just under 500 pairs of underwear for Hamilton Interval House.

The response has been overwhelming in the best possible way.

Every donation represents more than just underwear, it represents compassion, dignity, and support for women facing difficult circumstances. It sends a message that women in our communities are seen, valued, and cared for.

Moving forward, at hockey events we attend, we will continue collecting knickers for local women’s shelters whenever possible. Our goal is to continue growing this initiative, raising awareness about the needs within shelters, and encouraging others to support women in their own communities.

The Knickers Project is about women supporting women. It is about turning small acts of kindness into meaningful change.

To everyone who has donated, shared our mission, or helped spread awareness thank you. Your support is making a real difference, one donation at a time.