Huron County, Ontario – As a member of the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce, the Huron County Library will be participating in the Drive to End Period Poverty from March 3-10, 2024. During this time, residents are invited to help put an end to period poverty by dropping off new, unopened packages of commonly used period products to any Huron County Library branch during regular hours of operation.
Products in need include new and unopened:
- Tampons, pads, and liners for a variety of menstrual flow needs
- Menstrual cups and discs
- Period underwear in a variety of sizes
For the convenience of donors, an Amazon shopping page has been created where shoppers can select and pay for products that will then be delivered by Amazon directly to the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Task Force. Donors can find that purchasing option using this link: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/MN96B5WHMH8P?ref_=wl_share
“Period Poverty” is a term that refers to the lack of access to menstrual products due to cost or other barriers. Research indicates almost two thirds of people who menstruate in Canada have missed work or school because of lack of access to necessary hygiene products. Due to stigma surrounding menstruation, these issues are often not discussed.
Expanding on a pilot project that began October 2023, the Huron County Library will continue to offer FREE period products at each of their 12 branch locations. In addition, they will launch a new education campaign designed to inform and remove stigma around the topic of menstruation.
“Providing affordable solutions to help people manage their periods comfortably and hygienically is absolutely necessary,” said Warden Glen McNeil. “I’m glad that the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce was successful in their pilot project and that this important work can continue in our communities.”
The Huron-Perth Period Poverty Taskforce includes representation from:
- United Way Perth Huron;
- Huron Women’s Shelter;
- Optimism Place;
- Perth County Information Network,
- Stratford Public Library;
- Huron County Library;
- Avon Maitland District School Board;
- The Emily Murphy Centre;
- And others.
To learn more about the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Task Force and take the End Period Poverty survey, visit: www.connectedcountyofhuron.ca/period-poverty