On the TTC, walking through the park, or popping into a coffee shop to grab a warm drink, chances are you have seen them before — black or grey toques with a small house logo on them.

These stylish toques are sold by hundreds of volunteers every year as part of Raising the Roof’s national Toque Campaign and this year, for the first time, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Nellie’s.

“Buying one means so much more than just buying a toque to wear in the winter,” says Ariana Gomes, Community Support & Outreach Supervisor at Nellie’s. “Every Raising the Roof toque out there in the community helps raise awareness about homelessness because it’s one more opportunity for someone to explain the importance of the fundraising campaign and the urgent need when asked about their toque.”

Raising the Roof is a national organization that provides leadership on long-term solutions to homelessness through partnership and collaboration with stakeholders. The annual toque campaign began in 1997 and has raised more than $8 million for some 200 community groups across the country.

Fifty percent of the proceeds of every toque we sell stays at Nellie’s. The remaining proceeds (after campaign costs) support Raising the Roof’s national homelessness prevention initiatives.

Where you can buy your toque

There are two ways you can buy a Raising the Roof toque. The first is directly from us. Until March 31, 2022, we will be selling toques at various community events. Stop by our table to say hello and buy your toque for $15.

“Every interaction we have is an opportunity for us to provide more education and resources to people who may not be truly aware of what’s going on in Toronto, particularly in the violence against women sector. A lot of people don’t realize the increase in domestic violence towards women and their children that has happened during the pandemic,” says Ariana.

Toques in support of Nellie’s will also be available for sale at some of the local businesses in our neighbourhood.

The second way to buy a toque is directly from the Raising the Roof website. However, the 50% of proceeds from toques purchased online will be shared between participating agencies in the local community where the purchaser resides. Which means less money diverted toward Nellie’s programs and services.

If you would like to buy a toque and don’t know where to find ones in support of Nellie’s, please contact Ariana Gomes at ariana@nellies.org.