Tracey Comeau, organizer of Taking Care of (Women’s) Business, was inspired to create this Island-wide effort after reading an article about a young homeless woman who felt she lost her last bit of dignity because she couldn’t afford sanitary pads or tampons.
“It’s not a situation where you can decide to purchase feminine hygiene products at a later time when you can afford them,” said Comeau.
With no homeless shelters for women on P.E.I., and learning that Anderson House has ample supply, Comeau asked food banks across the province if there was a need.
“I see women every day that could benefit from this type of added support,” said Beth Cruwys, who works closely with the Salvation Army’s food bank in Summerside. “To have community support like this adds to the recognition of women’s needs and struggles, and gives much needed support for personal care items.”
Comeau added that food banks want and need these products but, because menstruation is often a taboo topic, the public isn’t aware that such a need exists.
This 28-day campaign runs Feb. 28 to March 28.
Comeau is encouraging groups to get together and have fun with it.
“Get creative, collect boxes of pads and tampons during event and group gatherings, take photos when dropping off donations, share your support via Twitter and Facebook to spread the word and challenge fellow Islanders to support this unique campaign for our Island food banks.”
Distribution of donated feminine hygiene products to Island food banks will take place the week of April 6.
Drop-off locations
— Summerside — Co-operators Insurance, Samuel's Coffee House, Murphy's Pharmacy
— Alberton/O’Leary/Tignish — Co-operators Insurance, Home Hardware
— North Rustico — Murphy’s Pharmacy
— Charlottetown/Stratford — Murphy's Pharmacy Locations, Co-operators Insurance, PEI Business Women's Association, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
— Cornwall — Murphy’s Pharmacy
— Montague/Mount Stewart — Atlantic Fitness East
— Souris — Main Street Pharmasave
Who benefits
— The Upper Room Food Bank (Charlottetown)
— Salvation Army Food Banks (Summerside and Charlottetown)
— Southern Kings and Queens Food Bank (Montague)
— Souris Food Bank (Souris)
— West Prince Caring Cupboard (Alberton)