Our flagship program · 28th year
Project Winter Survival
Project Winter Survival is dedicated to providing the homeless and less fortunate with Survival Kits, which in turn provide warmth and the essential supplies needed for survival on the streets during the winter season.
kits assembled and distributed since 1999.
requests received each year from agencies.
kits assembled and distributed in a single day.
front-line agencies across the GTA.
Our story
Since 1999, a city-wide act of warmth.
Why we do it
On any given night, thousands of people in Toronto are trying to survive outside. Winter turns survival into a daily fight. A warm sleeping bag, dry socks, gloves that actually keep the cold out, the small things most of us never think twice about, are the difference between getting through the night and not. Project Winter Survival exists to put those things directly into the hands of the people who need them, and to give everyday people and businesses a hands-on way to help.
Our history
Project Winter Survival started in 1999. What began as a small push to get survival kits to people living on the street has grown into one of the largest volunteer-driven winter kit drives in the Greater Toronto Area. Over the years, our volunteers and donors have assembled and distributed approximately 45,000 Winter Survival Kits. Every January, hundreds of volunteers come together on a single day to pack thousands of kits, which then go out to more than 200 front-line agencies across the city.
Our mission
To provide people experiencing homelessness with the essential supplies they need to survive the winter, and to do it through a hands-on experience that connects individuals, companies, and communities directly to the cause.
Our vision
A city where no one has to face winter on the street without the basics for survival, and where giving back is something people do together, in person, year after year.
Distribution partners. Kits are distributed through the Red Cross, Out of the Cold programs, the Salvation Army, Covenant House, local shelters, and outreach programs across the GTA.
What’s in a kit
30+ essential items, chosen with care.
Every year, our volunteer Board of Directors works diligently to source essential items for the kits, including:
- Sleeping bags
- Sport bags / knapsacks
- Winter hats
- Winter scarves
- Winter gloves
- Socks
- Hand warmers
- Face cloth
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Shave cream
- Razor
- Body & hand lotion
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm
- Cetaphil cleaning cloth
- Kleenex (facial tissue)
- Soap
- Polysporin
- Body wash
- Hair brush & comb
- Hand wipes
- Towel
- Reusable water bottle
- Bottled water
- Bandaids
- Insulated cup
- Pen
- Notepad
- Swagger tags
- Playing cards
- Activity book (crossword / sudoku)
- Stress balls
- Food snack
Event day
One day. Thousands of kits. Hundreds of hands.
Project Winter Survival is an incredible team-building experience for groups big or small. Here is what to expect on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Arrive and team up
Volunteers check in, grab a coffee, and are organized into packing teams. Groups from 3 to 15+ are welcome, from families to entire companies.
Build the line
Teams form assembly lines and pack each kit with its 30+ items, from sleeping bags and gloves to hygiene supplies and a few small comforts.
Load and distribute
Finished kits are sorted by agency request and loaded for distribution, going out to more than 200 front-line agencies across the GTA.
Event details
- DateSaturday, January 16, 2027
- Time7:00 AM
- VenueGreater Toronto Area — venue to be confirmed
Our partners
The companies and communities who make it possible.
Our Sponsors
In-Kind Donors
Interested in becoming a partner or sponsoring a team? Get in touch through Get Involved.