Windsor ‘basketeers’ collect for those fleeing abusive relationships

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Imagine leaving home in a hurry with nothing but what you’re wearing. 

The Windsor Basketeers are organizing a drive again this year to help women who face that situation after leaving abusive relationships. 

Mary-Ann Stark, who helped launch the Basketeers in 2019 with help from the Rotary Club of Windsor-Walkerville, nurse practitioner Navdeep Pabla and Jody Meeke are organizing this year’s drive, hoping to collect a record 60 baskets for Hiatus House, which provides crisis support and shelter for women and children who are fleeing abusive relationships. 

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Donors are asked to purchase a laundry basket and fill it with personal household items that women would need after leaving a relationship and being on their own. 

“Think about what would it be like if I were starting over on my own,” said Stark. “’I’ve just been through this traumatic experience. What is that like for me? What would I want to have on my first night alone in my new apartment?’” 

Baskets are being collected Nov. 30 at the Children’s Safety Village at 7911 Forest Glade Dr. in Windsor from 9:30 a.m. to noon. 

Donors can shop at local stores for simple things such as cutlery, dishes, frying pans, towels, hair driers, tool kits, cleaning items and first-aid kits. 

Those who prepare baskets are asked to write a note to the person who receives it at Hiatus House, said Stark. 

“The note tells these women that what they’re doing is very courageous and that we’re behind them and we’re proud of them for taking care of themselves and often their children by having the courage to walk away from an abusive relationship, start over and love themselves enough to know that they deserve … love and respect,” Stark said.

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