A local community group is issuing an urgent appeal to the Sarnia-Lambton community for help as the demand for menstrual products at local food banks has outstripped current supply, leaving those in need with no product available. Tampon Tuesday Sarnia Lambton, a grassroots group of six local women volunteers created in 2019, works as a […]
A local community group is issuing an urgent appeal to the Sarnia-Lambton community for help as the demand for menstrual products at local food banks has outstripped current supply, leaving those in need with no product available.
Tampon Tuesday Sarnia Lambton, a grassroots group of six local women volunteers created in 2019, works as a not-for-profit organization to generate and deliver donations of tampons and sanitary pads exclusively to The Inn of The Good Shepherd for distribution. However, a growing demand from those living in poverty, on limited incomes, and students is quickly depleting the supply. Menstrual hygiene products are consistently the most requested yet least donated items at food banks.
The Inn of The Good Shepherd has seen a steady increase in demand at its food bank since the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, 2,000 registered users depend on The Inn monthly, many of whom are women and children in need of food and personal hygiene items.
While The Inn's food bank typically operates on a point system for clients to access food, menstrual products are not included in this system and are offered free to anyone who asks, regardless of whether they are a food bank client. This policy is intended to ensure dignity and access for those struggling with what is often referred to as 'period poverty'.
Since its beginning, Tampon Tuesday has provided over 11,983 boxes of both donated and purchased menstruation product to The Inn, even with meeting restrictions during COVID. However, the group is now receiving many requests for products from outside local sources, and it has been confirmed by The Inn that they currently have no product available.
Tampon Tuesday Sarnia Lambton is asking the community to step up and help fill this critical gap:
Attend a Donation Drive: The group meets at Stokes Inland on Lambton Mall Road every 1st Tuesday of the month where the public is invited to bring a donation.
Host a Donation Bin: Businesses or schools can collect product in a supplied bin.
Monetary Donations: Tampon Tuesday accepts monetary donations, which allows the group of women to purchase product at local stores, often at a discount. The donor of funds receives a charitable tax receipt from The Inn of The Good Shepherd.
For further information, to arrange a donation, or to set up a donation bin, the group can be contacted directly:
Contact: Michelle (Call/Text) at 519-918-2942
Email: [email protected]
Find them on their Facebook page
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