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In celebration of International Women’s Day, thousands of boxes of menstrual products were donated at the 8th annual Tampon Tuesday event in Windsor, nearly doubling last year’s record.
The annual event organized by United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, in partnership with the Windsor and District Labour Council, helps break the economic barriers to menstrual products.
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This year, 5,849 packages of menstrual products were collected over several hours at Harbour House Waterfront Eatery on Tuesday, blowing past last year’s total of about 3,000. An additional $11,625 was also raised during the event.
These figures are expected to continue climbing as more collection drives take place this year, according to Leilani Logronio, manager of labour programs and services at United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County.
“Menstrual hygiene products are actually one of the most requested items, but one of the least donated items at food banks,” said Logronio.
“When it comes to period poverty, we look at women and gender-diverse people, and the lack of accessibility to products.”
According to 2019 figures reported by the Canadian Public Health Association, Canadian women are estimated to spend up to $6,000 in their lifetime on menstrual hygiene products. Women in rural communities often pay double that price.
The same report said that even though the Canadian government quashed the tax on menstrual products in 2015, these essential items still remain out of reach for many homeless, low-income, and marginalized individuals.
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“By raising awareness of the need, we have seen things start to change,” said Logronio.
“We now have school boards and municipalities providing free product in their facilities.
“But at the same time, there’s still a big need, especially with the rising cost of living. So we continue to try to meet that need through this event.”
The event currently partners with 15 different agencies, including the Windsor-Essex Food Bank Association, which helps distribute the donated menstrual products through area shelters and food banks.
Local high school students also joined forces in a friendly competition to collect donations and raise awareness.
Logronio said there is still stigma surrounding the conversation about period poverty, however, every year the event sets out to smash more barriers.
“We’ve already seen a shift so far,” she said.
“Before, people might have been uncomfortable saying the word ‘tampon.’ Now, it’s becoming more of the norm and part of the conversation.”
The organization will continue accepting donations year-round at collection drives held throughout Windsor-Essex.
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