Tackling ‘period poverty’ with Tampon Tuesday

The United Way Oxford’s Women United committee is getting ready for its annual Tampon Tuesday event to help provide menstrual products to those in need.

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During the Tuesday, March 5, events at the Kelsey’s restaurants in Woodstock and Tillsonburg offer guests opportunities to network, socialize and “go with the flow,” the intention is to donate as many menstrual hygiene products as possible to agencies and organizations helping women who are struggling.

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Given rising household costs, some women have been forced to choose between buying food and buying tampons, United Way officials said.

“For the past six years, United Way Oxford has been proud to work with donors, workplaces and sponsors to bring people together to help marginalized families and individuals deal with some of the necessities of life,” said Amanda Krieger, the agency’s resource development manager .

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On the evening of the events, guests are invited to drop by with a donation of menstrual products for Tampon Tuesday. Leading up to March 5, Shoppers Drug Mart locations throughout Oxford County will also be accepting donations. The donations made at each location – Tillsonburg, Norwich, Ingersoll and the two Woodstock stores – will stay in their respective communities, officials said.. On March 5, team will be a Shoppers Drug Mart as well for anyone who is interested in learning more about the issue.

Ultimately, the donations will be distributed to groups like Ingamo Family Homes, Operation Sharing and area food banks to help women who are struggling with “period poverty.”

Both of the Kelsey’s locations are supporting the events by providing the space and the snacks to encourage conversation and support.

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“In addition to collecting and then distributing menstrual hygiene products, we have an opportunity to build awareness ad understanding around poverty and the struggles that many in our community face daily,” Kreiger said. “As our community learns and understands more about these unignorable issues, we can do more to help change social conditions and raise each other up.”

Last year, Tampon Tuesday collected more than 1,400 boxes of product across Oxford County and supported dozens of different organizations. This year, organizers are encouraging the entire community to get involved through donations, workplace collection campaigns or similar efforts through churches, clubs or teams.

More information about Tampon Tuesday is available at

www.unitedwayoxford.ca

or by calling 519-539-3851. Product or financial donations can be made in person at the United Way Oxford’s offices at 447 Hunter St. in Woodstock, at the participating Shoppers Drug Mart locations or at the March 5 events from 5 pm to 7 pm

IF YOU GO

What:

Tuesday stamp

Where:

Kelsey’s restaurants in Woodstock (525 Norwich Ave.) and Tillsonburg (247 Broadway)

When:

Tuesday, March 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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