The founders of Windsor Cares stand inside the Community Closet, which provides essential clothing and supplies to students. Pictured from left: Gigi Joseph, Meg Gregoire, Emily Kydd, and Hannah Joseph. (SUBMITTED BY HANNAH JOSEPH/University of Windsor)
By Sara Meikle
Imagine preparing for an exam or job interview while worrying about where your next meal will come from.
For some Windsor Law students, this is a reality.
The Windsor Law Community Closet & Pantry, known as Windsor Cares, relies on donations from the campus community and local partners to remove these barriers and provide students with the essential support they need to succeed.
Windsor Cares provides food, hygiene products, harm reduction supplies, books and professional clothing in a welcoming, stigma-free environment. Its mission is simple: remove barriers so students can focus on learning, interviews and building their futures with dignity.
The Community Closet began as a single rack of professional clothing at Legal Assistance of Windsor, founded by sisters Hannah and Gigi Joseph after seeing firsthand how access to appropriate attire can shape opportunity. Today, the Closet helps students prepare for interviews, networking events, and work placements, ensuring professional clothing is never a barrier to success.
The Pantry, co-created by Emily Kydd and Meg Gregoire, complements this support by offering food and essential items grounded in harm reduction and community care. Together, these initiatives reflect Windsor Law’s culture of compassion, student leadership, and mutual support.
Now, more than ever, your support is needed.
Windsor Cares’ annual February raffle is fast approaching, and they need your help to make it a success. By donating gift cards, experiences, services, or introducing potential sponsors, your generosity gives students the essentials they need to thrive.
Windsor Cares also invites you to donate new or gently used professional clothing, including suits, blazers, dresses, shoes, bags and accessories, as well as hygiene and self-care products.
Financial contributions are strongly encouraged, as they play a vital role in sustaining the program year-round and enabling a swift response during periods of heightened need.
Donations can be shipped directly to the Ron W. Ianni Faculty of Law Building, and local or regional donors can arrange convenient pickups by contacting Windsor Cares.
Every contribution, large or small, helps Windsor Law students thrive, giving future lawyers the confidence, dignity, and community support they need to succeed.
For donations or inquiries, contact Hannah Joseph, Co-Founder of the Windsor Cares Community Collective, at joseph78@uwindsor.ca.