(Mike Stewart/The Canadian Press)

By Alison Sandstrom

Donations flow

Campaign to collect feminine hygiene products for YWCA

Oct 28, 2019 | 2:04 PM

A new campaign is hoping to help the Prince Albert YWCA and challenge a social taboo in the process.

From Oct. 28 to Nov. 9, Lake Country Co-op will be collecting feminine hygiene products for the YWCA at their pharmacy counters in the food store on 15th St. E. and in the Cooperative Health Centre on 8th St. E.

While tampons and pads might not be the first thing people think to donate to the organization, YWCA CEO Donna Brooks said going without the items can have an impact on someone’s life.

“You’re at risk of infection because you might be using products that aren’t sanitary, or just getting by using paper towel or toilet paper.”

“You might not be able to participate in swimming or different activities that you otherwise could,” she added.

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At any given time, there are approximately 73 women and youth staying in YWCA shelters and homes in the city. The organization estimates that could mean there are around 6,600 days per year where clients may need feminine hygiene products.

“They’re not something that anybody funds, they’re not something that’s free, and they’re something that women often have to go without. So it’s a huge difference if we can have hygiene products to give to our women and youth,” said Brooks.

Jill Dumanski, with Lake Country Co-op, said the pharmacy team chose the “Every Woman Matters. Period.” initiative both because they had heard of the YWCA’s need, and out of a desire to challenge the discomfort some people have discussing periods.

“We’re trying to break the barriers here and make sure that it’s okay to talk about,” she said. “We just want to spread awareness and then if that awareness leads to some donations that’s what we want.”

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom