When people donate to homeless charities and organizations, they usually provide non-perishable foods, used clothing, or money. But there’s one type of item that sometimes falls to the wayside.
“People don’t think to donate [feminine hygiene products],” said Lorna Bernhardt, Board Chair with Yorkton and District United Way (YDUW).
Homeless and low-income women need hygiene products such as tampons, but their high prices make them hard to access.
“It’s an expensive product,” Bernhardt said.
This need is fueling Yorkton’s first annual Tampon Tuesday collection drive.
“It’s how we can help the community,” Bernhardt said.
Tampon Tuesday is a national event. It was created in 2009 as a way to support less fortunate women or women in crisis. The event coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8.
“We grabbed onto that idea,” Bernhardt said. “I think it’s awesome.”
YDUW and the Yorkton District Labour Council partnered together for Tampon Tuesday. They’re running a collection drive for feminine hygiene products until the end of March. So far, Painted Hand Casino and RBC are collecting any items people want to drop off.
YDUW will also be hosting a drive at the St. Mary’s Cultural Centre on March 8. The entrance fee is by donation of feminine hygiene products. he drive runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“It’s a way to connect with people,” Bernhardt said. “Anyone who comes out is welcome.”
