United Way’s annual ‘Tampon Tuesday’ drive begins next week

United Way KFL&A has announced the third annual Tampon Tuesday collection drive in the region. This initiative will once again work locally with national Tampon Tuesday partners Bell Media, organized Labour and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Starting Tuesday, March 1 and running until March 31, 2022, community members are encouraged to donate pads, tampons, liners and other menstrual hygiene products, the United Way said in a media release. The donation drive aims to fill a gap in the Kingston Frontenac, Lennox & Addington area.

“We know that menstrual hygiene products are among the most requested items at local food banks and shelters, but the least donated,” said Bhavana Varma, President and CEO of United Way KFL&A. “There are individuals who are vulnerable, with diverse needs when it comes to menstrual hygiene in our community. We know many in the community are eager to help – this is an opportunity to do just that.”

Last year the KFL&A community showed their local love and support by donating over 128,000 products. These products are vital to agencies throughout the community and make an impact each day, the United Way stated.

“Individuals experiencing homelessness are continuously faced with a variety of challenges and individuals that menstruate have the added pressure or worry of finding hygiene products such as tampons or pads,” explained Catherine Oxford, Manager of Youth Services at Kingston Youth Shelter. “With the donations that we received from the drive last year, we have been able to assist our clients by taking away that added worry of finding or affording products, giving our clients the ability to dedicate more of their focus and attention on finding safe and permanent housing.”

As the pandemic continues, this year’s drive will once again promote workplace and individual collection drives of products as well as drop offs at locations throughout the region, according to the release.

“Workplaces, neighbourhoods, families, individuals – everyone is encouraged to get involved and start their own drives for this important need in our community and then drop off at the collection sites,” added Varma. “The pandemic has made these needs even more prevalent, and every donation helps.”

Donations will be collected at the following locations:

• Cataraqui Centre (in partnership with MOVE 98.3): drop off at Guest Services during operating hours until Tuesday, March 8

From March 1 through 31 items can be dropped off at:

• United Way KFL&A office, 417 Bagot Street (back entrance): Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Napanee, Amherstview and throughout Kingston – look for donation box

Products can also be donated through an Amazon wishlist and monetary donations can be made online. Community members can also contact the United Way KFL&A office at 613.542.2674 or at [email protected] if none of the above options or locations work and a pickup or drop off can be arranged.

For more information and resources visit https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca/tampontuesday