Taking care of women’s business

The P.E.I. Women’s Institute wants to ensure there are sufficient feminine hygiene products for the increasing number of clients at food banks across the province.

The institute has launched a campaign called Taking Care of Women’s Business and is designed to collect product or monetary donations.

Since 2015, the campaign has raised more than $20,000 worth of product or donations. Each year, the entire inventory collected is distributed to food banks across the Island within weeks of the collection.

The provincial institute has issued a collection challenge to all of its branches, organizations, families and individuals.

More than 500 women, not including youth, are in monthly need of items like tampons, pads or menstruation cups for women’s monthly cycles.

Mike MacDonald, executive director of the food bank, said donations have steadily increased but so has the need.

“Requirements for products are at an all-time high as women are more often more concerned on other basics such as food,’’ MacDonald said. “This campaign continues to have a significant impact in the lives of women.’’

The campaign takes place Feb. 1-29.

Drop-off locations include Murphy’s Pharmacy locations across P.E.I., Main Street Pharmasave in Souris and the Women’s Institute office at 40 Enman Cres. In Charlottetown.

Online donations can be made at URHM.org.

“This campaign continues to have a significant impact in the lives of women.’’ Mike MacDonald