Our Mission & History

Mission

To provide needed products for women and children in existing shelters for their comfort and benefit.

History of Panty Schmooze

It all began in early 2003 with a simple request from one friend to another. Women’s shelters in the GTA were in urgent need of clothing donations. In response to a request for any usable clothing hiding in her closet, Panty Schmooze founder Heather Ostertag noted,

“It is hard to get past a phrase like ‘we will accept donations of everything – even used underwear.’ “

Heather, enrolled at the time in a leadership course, decided that as part of her course commitment to create a community service event, something could be done. She communicated the shelters’ needs to her co-workers who agreed with much enthusiasm, to get involved to create an event that would raise the desperately needed goods as well as awareness for the shelters. And so the Panty Schmooze was born.

The event, and its name, come from the original need: brave women who choose to leave abusive relationships, often with only the clothes on their backs, are reduced to having to accept used underwear. Since 2003 Panty Schmooze has been an incredible event filled with music and fun that has raised awareness and much needed funds, bringing dignity and support to shelters in the Toronto area.