4 Toques That Give Back

It’s that time of year where the temperatures are dropping and we are all reaching for our cozy winter pieces to keep us warm. Toques are a Canadian classic when it comes to dressing for winter and they also make terrific holiday gifts. If you are looking to donate to causes this holiday season and you have gifts to buy for loved ones, there is a way you can do both at the same time. There are some incredible brands and companies that are selling toques to raise money to help support our unhoused population as well as supporting mental health programs. Sadly these two causes are often linked. If you are looking for ways to stretch your dollars and help the most vulnerable in our communities, here are four companies to shop with this holiday season. —Jen Pistor

Connally Goods: For the fourth year in a row, this local, Vancouver, sustainable clothing brand will be selling their Compassion Toques ($25, available in three sizes). Crafted with detail, this organic cotton toque comes in four hues (Honey Yellow, Tomato Red, Navy Blue, and Honeycomb) with $10 from each one purchased being donated to Pace Society Vancouver. PSV is a peer-driven organization located in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver that provides support, advocacy, and education by, with, and for current and former sex workers. With the sales from their Compassion Toque last year, Connally Goods were able to give out just over 175 care kits containing other essentials and comfort items to the community living without shelter.

Raising The Roof + Home Depot: For over 26 years the organization, Raising The Roof has been providing long-term solutions to homelessness across Canada. They have been creating employment opportunities for people at risk of homelessness, affordable housing and fundraising through the annual Toque Campaign. They have teamed up with the Home Depot Canada Foundation in joining the efforts to prevent and end youth homelessness in Canada. By purchasing a toque ($15), you are providing youth vital support when they need it most. One toque provides three nutritious meals a day. Two toques provide a safe place to sleep. And three toques provide one mental health counselling session.

Wirth: WIRTH is a Vancouver company with their hats being made locally. They are committed to doing something about mental health. Proceeds from your purchase go toward supporting mental health initiatives and the WIRTH Foundation’s Counselling Fund. Their hats (from $40) are made with high-quality fabric and a lot of love. WIRTH Hats are meant to be a symbol of conversation around vulnerability and openness. They are committed to ending the stigma surrounding counselling and therapy.  

Toques From The Heart: This Canadian Company understands how hard it can be during the cold Canadian winters, especially without a toque. Therefore, they created a toque with a purpose (from $30).  Each style is designed for ultimate coziness and for every toque purchased, they give one to a Canadian in need.  They know that toques are an essential piece of clothing during our cold winters and with 35,000 Canadians experiencing homelessness on any given night, the need is great. Their beautifully crafted pieces offer incredible fit and feel so you can take on winter more comfortably. Everyone deserves to stay warm. A single toque can go a long way.They have a huge selection available for the whole family.