Pandemic edition of Tampon Tuesday held in Oxford County

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United Way Oxford held its fourth annual Tampon Tuesday this week, switching gears to a drive-thru format so volunteers could continue to collect menstrual hygiene products for people in need despite the pandemic.

Amanda Kreiger, resource development manager for United Way Oxford, said organizers think the need for menstrual products could be higher than ever this year because of the economic fallout of COVID-19.

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“We are looking for any sort of menstrual hygiene products,” said Kreiger, noting that more than 1,100 boxes were collected last year. “It was a huge impact, and we know that this year the need is even higher after the year we’ve had.”

Typically, the event is a fun networking night for people to enjoy some food and drinks while raising awareness about period poverty and bringing in donations. Last year’s event was held just before the pandemic shut almost everything down.

This year, Kreiger said they were hoping people would still participate: Volunteers and United Way staffers will be in five locations throughout Oxford County collecting tampons, pads and menstrual cups.

In Canada, a woman will spend about $6,000 on period products in her lifetime. They’re also among the most requested – but least donated – items at food banks.

“This is really important because we don’t want families to have to choose between paying a bill and buying menstrual hygiene products for themselves or their children,” she said.

“This helps alleviate the financial pressure. If we’re able to collect those donations and support organizations, resources can go elsewhere – both the organizations and the families they support.”

This year, donations raised on Tampon Tuesday will benefit the Norwich Food Bank, the Helping Hands food Bank in Tillsonburg, and the Salvation Army food banks in Woodstock and Ingersoll, as well as Domestic Abuse Services Oxford, the Women’s Employment Resource Centre and the Oxford County Community Health Centre, among others.

Cash donations were accepted – so organizations can purchase period products as needed.