United Way Pictou County ‘overwhelmed’ by community support
A donation drive to help people access menstrual hygiene products called Tampon Tuesday is in full swing.
Now in over 30 communities across the county, the United Way initiative has collected hundreds of donations.
“I was overwhelmed with how enthusiastic everyone was with this project,” said
Elaine White, of the United Way Pictou County.
Inside the New Glasgow office, White and local executive director Ellen Fanning sat at a table covered with tampon boxes.
“The support from Pictou County has just been amazing,” said Fanning.
With collection points set up at pharmacies throughout the county, as well as Michelin, Crombie Reit,
Sobeys head office, Emera and Web.com, the United Way of Pictou County was able to collect hundreds of donations for local agencies that need them.
“We haven’t counted them yet, but we got a lot,” said White, holding one of the boxes. “If you were to get this at the store, it would be the equivalent of four litres of milk.”
Unfortunately, there are individuals and families who might have to make that choice.
“It’s really a harsh example of how poverty impacts people’s welfare,” said Shelly Curtis-Thompson of the Women’s Resource and Sexual Assault Centre in New Glasgow.
The women’s resource and centre is one of six agencies that partnered with the United Way for Tampon Tuesday.
Being unable to access basic sanitary products and other necessities like clean bathrooms and menstrual education are all factors in period poverty which the Women’s Resource and Sexual Assault Centre, along with the United Way’s other partner agencies, are addressing every day. Tampon Tuesday just highlights it and fills the cupboards with products that are always in demand.
“We’re only able to do that because of the generosity of community and supports,” said Curtis-Thompson. “We’re really happy that the United Way has made this ask.”