A BC-based non-profit organization called “Moon Time Sisters” is raising awareness for menstrual equity and gathering menstrual product donations for those who cannot access them.
Donation boxes accepting various menstrual products will be available at two Starbucks locations in town, one in Pine Centre Mall and the other in College Heights.
Carly Pistawka, Co-founder of Moon Time Sisters BC says plenty of people living in remote and rural communities don’t have access to products because of their high cost.
“To have to choose between menstrual products and food, if it comes down to it, you’re not going to choose the products. So to be able to provide these communities with what they need is a local way to fight for menstrual equity and I think a lot of people can relate to that,” she explained.
Products from the drive will be donated to 12 different remote communities in BC.
According to Pistawka, residents can donate tampons, Diva Cups, and liners but the demand for pads is the highest.
“We only send out what the communities actually want so say Diva Cups might not be wanted for a certain community, so pads and tampons are probably the best. We accept unopened products or even if it’s an opened box with products that are individually packaged, that’s perfect.”
She adds many of her colleagues initially believed that menstrual equity is only a problem in third world countries, as it often goes un-talked about in Canada due to the stigma of periods and womens’ reproductive health.
“There’s so much anxiety about something that is so stigmatized and not being able to manage it properly, and then sanitization-wise it can be unhealthy to not be using proper products,” Pistawka explained.
As a result of not having access to these products, many women and girls end up missing work or school which can place a heavy financial and mental burden on them.
“Being able to have products, it should be a given but we are just not there yet,” added Pistawka.
The drive is also taking place in Williams Lake and will run until October 31st.
Financial donations to Moon Time Sisters can be made on the True North Aid website.
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