WI campaign helps provide Islanders with period products

The provincial board of the P.E.I. Women’s Institute and branches want to ensure there are sufficient period products for the increasing number of clients at foodbanks across Prince Edward Island.

The aim of the 28-day campaign, running Feb. 1-28, is to collect product or monetary donations to address the need for period products for P.E.I. food banks to ensure dignity is maintained.

Since 2015, the campaign raised well over $25,000 worth of product or donation. Each year, the entire inventory collected is distributed to food banks across the Island within weeks of the collection.

Last year saw another increase in collections taking place. WI hopes to maintain or exceed collections for the 2021 campaign. The PEIWI issues collections challenges to all WI branches, organizations, businesses, families and individuals across Prince Edward Island.

Well over 500 Islanders, not including youth, are in monthly need of items like tampons, pads or menstruation cups.

Bridgett MacCormack, provincial board member of the P.E.I. Women’s Institute, indicated “the need is more important than ever given the mental and health situation caused by COVID”.

Starting Monday, Feb. 1, drop-off locations include any Murphy’s Pharmacy across P.E.I., Main Street Pharmasave in Souris and the WI Office at 40 Enman Cres., Charlottetown. Online donations can be made online to the Upper Room Hospitality Ministry: URHM.org.