At OC Beauty, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting those in need. That's why we are thrilled to announce the launch of our second annual period drive, where we aim to collect 10,000 menstrual products for individuals experiencing homelessness and period poverty in our community.
Understanding Period Poverty in Canada
Period poverty is a harsh reality for many individuals across Canada. Here are some important facts about period poverty in our country:
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Lack of Access: Period poverty refers to the inability to afford or access menstrual products, often resulting in individuals resorting to makeshift solutions such as using toilet paper, socks, or cardboard.
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Financial Strain: Menstrual products are considered essential items, yet they are not covered by government assistance programs like the Canada Child Benefit or social assistance. This places a significant financial burden on low-income individuals and families.
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Impact on Health and Well-being: The lack of access to menstrual products can have serious consequences on the physical and mental health of individuals. It can lead to infections, skin irritation, and an increased risk of reproductive health issues.
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Barriers to Education and Employment: Period poverty can also create barriers to education and employment. Many individuals may miss school or work due to the inability to manage their menstruation effectively, further perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
Where Your Donations Are Going: The menstrual products collected during our period drive will be distributed to three incredible organizations in our community, each of which plays a vital role in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and period poverty:
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St. Vincent Place: St. Vincent Place provides essential support services to individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness in our community. Your donations will help ensure that their clients have access to the menstrual products they need to maintain their health and dignity.
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SOYA (Save Our Young Adults from Drug Abuse): SOYA works tirelessly to support young adults who are struggling with substance abuse and homelessness. Your donations will help ensure that these individuals have access to menstrual products, allowing them to focus on their recovery and well-being.
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Northland Adult Learning Center: The Northland Adult Learning Center provides educational and support services to adults in our community. Your donations will help ensure that individuals participating in their programs have access to menstrual products, removing barriers to education and personal development.
Taking Action with OC Beauty
Our initiative aims to address the urgent need for menstrual hygiene products in our community and combat period poverty head-on. By collecting and distributing 10,000 menstrual products, we hope to provide essential support to those who need it most.
Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we were able to collect almost 6,000 menstrual products. This year, we're setting our sights even higher, with the hope of surpassing that number and providing even more support to those in need.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to join us in this important cause. Whether you donate unopened pads, tampons, liners, or other menstrual hygiene products, your contribution will make a real difference in someone's life. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us get one step closer to our goal and one step closer to ending period poverty in our community.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the menstrual products they need. Together, we can create a more compassionate and caring community.
If you're interested in donating or learning more about our period drive, please visit one of the following local businesses participating in the initiative:
- Aline Wellness
- Amore For Your Pleasure
- Due North Cannabis (All Three Locations)
- George Leach Centre
- Great Lakes Honda
- Great North Dental
- Ladies Lacrosse League
- Hogan’s Homestead Gift Shop
- Hogan's Airport Giftshop
- Northern Dental
- OC Beauty
- Seven O Five Esthetics
- Stork and Bundle
- The Breakfast Pig
- The Country Way
- Vintage Games N’ Junk
Thank you for your support and for joining us in this important cause. Together, we can make a difference.
With gratitude, The OC Beauty Team