As an Ontario Works case manager for Haldimand Norfolk Health and Social Services, Chris Kindy sees need among his clients every day.
That’s why he knows events such as the Rotary Day of Action in support of local women are an important way “improve lives in our community.”
Until May 4, the Rotary Clubs of Simcoe and Delhi and the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise are collecting products for women, including tampons; sanitary napkins and panty liners; incontinence and bladder products; toothpaste and toothbrushes; diapers and baby wipes; and other personal care items.
“Women need hygiene products and diapers as the cost of these items have increased significantly over the past two years,” said Kindy, a member of Rotary Sunrise. “I’m encouraging members of our great community to get out and donate what they can by May 4.”
Rotary Sunrise member Joanne Kiefer, who helped organize the hygiene product collection, said the clubs are always looking for projects to help the community. Recently, Rotary International in North America encouraged individual clubs to take a more hands-on approach to community building.
A previous “day of action” included Rotary members arranging flower displays for delivery to nursing homes across the county and, on Saturday, taking part in a Watershed Cleanup at local parks, trails and in and along the Lynn River.
Last year, the Grand Erie District School Board launched a menstrual equity campaign, stocking all of its elementary and secondary schools with free menstrual products.
The high cost of the products is an issue for some students who were sometimes forced to leave classes when they were menstruating.
“We know the number of people who are visiting food banks is high,” said Kiefer. “People are worrying about food security. If there are teen daughters in the house, the cost of (hygiene products) doesn’t go away. We just don’t want anyone to have to have that on their mind.”
Collected items will be donated to local food banks, the women’s shelter, St. Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army.
Donation bins are located in Simcoe at Norfolk General Hospital (staff only), Sobey’s, Roulston’s (downtown), Roulston’s Wellness Center on Donly Drive and Pharmasave; in Port Dover at Roulston’s, Dover Apothecary, Willaert Pharmacy, and NoFrills; in Delhi at Roulston’s and Pharmasave; and in Waterford at Magic Mart.