Group collecting menstrual care items for marginalized people in Kitchener-Waterloo

A local group is asking the community to donate large purses, backpacks and totes as well as menstruationproducts, to help people who may not otherwise have access to these items.

First established in Toronto in 2017, The Period Purse provides advocacy, education and free supplies to people menstruating who live on the margins. According to the group, onein seven girls in Canada missschool due to alack of menstrual supplies.

"Because periods are such a taboo thing for so many people, it's the kind of thing that goes unnoticed," Kate Elliot, co-chapter leader for the period purse in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo.

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From August 1 through August 21, the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge chapter of the organization will be hosting a blitz to help gather these menstrual care items.

More than just pads

The Period Purse packages all of its donations into bags that have also been donated. These bags include items like pads and tampons, but according to Elliott, that isn't where menstrual care ends. Things like washcloths, soap, wipes, new underwear and new socks are also essential for people menstruating.

The packages also include comforting items like hats in the winter or caps for the summer, granola bars and a motivational note to that they hope will uplift the recipient.

"[The bags] need to be kind of large so that we can fit in all the donations," Elliott said.

All donations will be put together at a packing party on August 25, after which they are shipped out to partner agencies to distribute them to those in need.

Where to drop off donations

Donations can be dropped off at five different locations.

In Cambridge: Kinbridge Community Association will accept donations Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Move With Grace Dance Studios will accept donations Monday to Thursday between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In Kitchener:TheMuseum will accept donations Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Big Bliss Studio will accept donations Monday to Friday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

In Waterloo: Truth Beauty Company will accept donations Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.