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You tell a friend and they tell a friend, who tells another friend, who tells their colleague and they tell their friend who tells their colleague and so on...

Watch the video or read this page to learn all about the ins and outs of preparing your own basket.


How it works


1 - Register

Register your basket so that we can keep count

2 - Shop

Tips on where and what to buy

3 - Build

How to wrap, label and finish off your basket

4 - Give

When and where to drop off your creation

1 - Register


We need all new Basketeers to register on the web site so that we can keep track of the basket count for each shelter and also have your contact information for the thank you letters that we mail.

If you participated last year, there is no need to register again. Email your chapter to inform them how many baskets you are preparing this year. If you have moved, please email your updated contact information.

Upon receipt of your registration, you will receive a confirmation with specific details on your drop-off date, time and location.

The earlier you commit the easier it is for us to allocate baskets to shelters.

2 - Shop


The best place to start if you are new to the Basketeers program is by first viewing the recent photos to see pictures of completed baskets. Then pick a room or a theme and begin building from there.

Some items are multi-purpose. With a clock radio, one can listen to music, have an alarm to wake up to & it tells the time. An umbrella would make someone smile if it was raining.

Keep in mind it’s the holidays, remember to include small niceties such as chocolates, lotions or bath products as a special personal gift.

What does it cost to fill a basket? That depends on you and your shopping skills. The average is about $150 to $200. If you are unable to fill a basket on your own ask a friend or colleague who is willing to contribute. A group of women in one office held a competition as to which team could create the most beautiful (and most useful) basket by scouting sales all summer.

Theme Ideas

  • “Beauty and the Bath”: Blow dryer, brush/comb, towels, bathrobe, shower curtain, toiletries
  • “Sweet Dreams”: PJ’s, set of sheets (double or single), blanket, pillow, reading lamp, book, clock radio and toiletries
  • “Dress for Success”: Purse, wallet, cosmetics, day planner, umbrella, clock radio, toiletries, transit tokens
  • “Kitchen”: Dishes, cutlery, glassware, cook book, kettle, cooking utensils, pots, pans, baking dishes, spices, tea towels, dish soap
  • “Mix it up”: Think about what you would most need starting from scratch and include a bit of everything

What to buy

Everyday Essentials

  • Clock radio
  • Blow dryer
  • Tooth brush/toothpaste
  • Slippers
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Soap/hand sanitizer
  • Cream/lotion
  • Manicure sets, nail files
  • Band aids
  • Cotton balls, Q-Tips, razors
  • Beauty products/cosmetics
  • Perfumes/bath products
  • Scented candles
  • Cosmetic bag
  • Socks
  • Hats/gloves/scarves/mitts
  • Bathrobe
  • Set of sheets
  • Pillow
  • Night shirt/PJ'S
  • Nail polish, nail polish remover
  • Disposable camera
  • Lap blanket
  • Picture frame
  • Calendar

Kitchen

  • Kettle
  • Toaster
  • Dish Set
  • Cutlery
  • Dish cloths/tea towels, J-Cloths
  • Pots, frying pans
  • Slow cooker
  • Cooking utensils/can opener
  • Kitchen timer, egg slicer
  • Knife
  • Scissors
  • Wood chopping board
  • Coffee machine
  • Coffee/tea/hot chocolate
  • Coffee mugs
  • Corningware dish
  • Place mats
  • Hand mixer/chopper
  • Basic cook book
  • Lunch bags, Saran wrap
  • Tea pot – teacups

Bathroom

  • Towel set & face cloth
  • Shower curtain
  • Toiletries
  • Bath mat

Gift Certificates and Vouchers

  • Transit tokens
  • Phone calling card
  • Grocery stores
  • Local family attractions
  • Family restaurants
  • Movie passes

3 - Build


Every year we are asked if the baskets need to be decorated (there are a few groups that challenge each other’s decorating skills). There are no rules, have fun! Please include a list of the contents and attach on the outside so the outreach worker can match the needs of the woman with the gift.

If you have previously registered on the web site, you may contact your chapter and let them know how many baskets you are preparing this year.

Remember...

  • Attach a list of the contents to the outside of the basket.
  • Include an inspirational message, poem or well-wishes.
  • There are no rules when it comes to decorating your basket — it's up to you!

Tips

  • Dollar stores are a great source for decorations.
  • Large cellophane rolls can often be found at party stores.
    In the GTA, you can find these cellophane rolls at Party City or Party Pros.

4 - Give

Each Chapter has their own drop-off date and location where you deliver your completed basket. On your drop-off date, deliver your basket, park your car, register inside, enjoy a coffee, and view the beautifully wrapped baskets. Get inspired for next year!

In the afternoon, the shelter trucks arrive and the heavy lifting begins. Volunteers will load baskets onto various trucks for delivery to each shelter.

Once the room is empty of baskets, the trucks have departed and the tables folded and stacked, the Basketeers signage removed and the lights are turned off the Basketeers campaign is complete.






Drop off days 2022

For November 2022 please contact your chapter for specific drop off details.

Register to Give a Basket