Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation is thrilled to welcome you to the 17th Annual Hats On For Healthcare! As postsecondary students, you are the future of our community, and your leadership in this campaign makes a direct impact on the lives of patients right here in Windsor-Essex.
The Impact of Your Support - Since its inception, this "hat-tastic" fundraiser has raised over $700,000 for vital programs and life-saving equipment. For 2026, the Foundation is giving teams the power to choose: your team can direct its fundraising to any one of 40 different hospital programs, from Cardiology and Oncology to Pediatrics and Mental Health.
How to Take Action
Register your Team: Create your own team or join one already in place!
Donate: Support our student-led initiative by clicking the "Donate" button. Every dollar raised stays local to provide outstanding care close to home.
Celebrate Hat Day: On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, wear your most creative, silly, or fashionable hat to school and share your photos on social media using #HatsOnForHealthcare.
Thank you for demonstrating that you care about our community’s health and happiness. Together, we can ensure that Windsor Regional Hospital remains a "superhero" for our loved ones.
Exciting Incentives for Top Teams!
To boost your team's impact for the 17th Annual Hats On For Healthcare, we have updated the message with high-energy incentives and campus-tested fundraising ideas for university students. This year isn't just about giving—it's about the "hat-titude." Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation, has some incredible rewards for top-performing teams:
- Hatsquerade Happy Hour Invites: Top fundraising teams are invited to the exclusive Hatsquerade Happy Hour on April 16, 2026, at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts.
- The "Best in Show" Catwalk: Dress to impress for a chance to walk the Hatsquerade Cat Walk and win prizes for most creative "hat couture".
- Radiothon Shout-outs: Leading teams may be featured during the Hats On For Healthcare Radiothon on March 5, 2026, hosted by AM800, Virgin 93.9, and 89X.
University-Proven Fundraising Ideas
Looking for ways to crush our goal? Here are some winning ideas used by university groups like the Odette Commerce Society:
- Campus Bake Sales: Partner with local bakeries or have team members bake "hat-themed" treats. The Odette MBA Society raised over $1,000 this way!
- Gala or Social Nights: Host a themed "Hatsquerade" social or gala. You can donate a portion of ticket sales to the cause.
- "Top Hat" Raffle: Partner with local businesses for prize donations and sell raffle tickets to students. Past successful raffles included gym memberships and tech gift cards.
- Social Media Challenges: Use #HatsOnForHealthcare and challenge other campus clubs or faculties to a "Hat-Off." Set a donation milestone; once reached, a team leader has to wear the "silliest hat on campus" for a full day.
- The "Toonie" Hat Day: Encourage everyone in your lecture or club to donate a "toonie" for the privilege of wearing their favorite hat in class on March 11 (Hat Day).