AJAX — Ajax council is encouraging the community to participate in the first ever Period Purse Spring Donation Blitz from April 10 to 26 in support of local charities.
Council is partnering with the Durham chapter of the Period Purse organization to help provide menstrual products for marginalized groups and share education to eliminate the stigma surrounding menstruation.
The issue was brought to town hall after an Ajax resident, Jen Thompson, heard about the organization on the radio.
“She brought it directly to the office of the mayor and council,” says council administrative assistant, Devon Jarvis. “She thought it would be a fantastic opportunity for the town to partake in.”
Council is encouraging the community to donate boxes of tampons, pads, liners, diva cups, large Ziploc bags and even motivational messages for those in need. Donations can be made at Ajax Town Hall Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
According to the Period Purse website, one in seven girls will miss school or leave early due to not having access to menstrual products.
“Young people shouldn’t have to be concerned about missing their education over something so natural,” says Jarvis. “It’s something that’s very much in need and something that’s very overlooked. Some people just don’t think it’s a necessity.”
Jarvis also says the educational aspect of the initiative is important in order to eliminate the stigma around periods.
“It’s something that’s a natural part of life, it’s not something to be ashamed of,” she says. “With proper education to break the stigma, it can make people more comfortable having a conversation about this and how to help your community.”
Part of eliminating the stigma, according to Jarvis, is to realize menstrual products are not cheap and are a necessity.
“How would you feel if you went into a public washroom and there was no toilet paper there? You had to pay for it — it’s a necessity, you need it. Having your period is just as natural as going to the washroom.”
The Period Purse was created in 2017 by Jana Girdauskas after she encountered a person experiencing homelessness who was in need of menstrual products. After filling one purse with menstrual and wellness products, she brought her efforts to Facebook and received 350 purses containing donations.
The organization is now a recognized not-for-profit in Toronto with chapters in Ontario and Saskatchewan.
Jarvis says while they have only had open donations for a couple of days, two boxes containing menstrual and wellness products have already been filled.
“I’m thrilled with the response we’ve received,” she says. “Even on social media we have been receiving lots of support and well wishes, the overall response has been very positive.”
See the story on durhamregion.com
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