Charities supporting children and youth in Windsor and Essex County have received a funding boost from the May Court Club of Windsor. The club recently held its annual donation event, distributing $140,000 among 37 local organizations. Recipients include Maryvale, Feeding Windsor Essex, the Windsor Minor Lacrosse Association, Hiatus House and Arts Council Windsor & Region, among others. The funding comes from sales at the May Court Club’s volunteer-run thrift shop on Wyandotte Street, as well as fundraising events held throughout the year. All proceeds remain in the local community. Club president Sharon Pyke said most of the funds raised come from thrift shop sales. “We’ve got clothing, bedding, household goods, art — all sorts of different items that have been donated to us,” Pyke said. “We go through them, price them and put them on the floor. Our community comes in and makes purchases, and as a non-profit, that money goes back into the community.” The Sexual Assault Crisis Centre is one of the 37 recipients and will use the funding to support programming for the coming year. Executive director Carol Branget said the grant will help fund activities such as play therapy. “This goes to help support activities like painting and art, and we have to replenish all of that,” Branget said. “It’s above and beyond what we’re financed for, so having grants like this is very helpful.” Branget said the funding will also support children and youth dealing with stressful situations by providing tools to develop healthy coping mechanisms. “We provide items like fidget toys and colouring sheets, which are included in kits they can take home,” she said. “They’re learning skills in counselling and can continue using them outside of sessions.” She added the organization hopes to expand resources for teens, as current programming primarily serves children aged 12 and under. In 2025, the club donated $100,000 to 30 local charities supporting children and youth. In 2026, that total increased to $140,000.
