Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River Regional Women’s Shelter (PRRWS) is once again seeking assistance to purchase items for their Period Pantries.
The two pantries were put into the community to help provide sanitary products to people who can not afford them, with the attempt to eliminate period poverty.
PRRWS’s Sandra O’Doherty says that the Women’s Shelter is hoping they may be able to find a business or individual who may be able to sponsor the pantries.
“We’re very short on moon time/period products for our cupboards,” says O’Doherty, adding that perhaps it’s not money that is needed but a corporate sponsorship.
“It is getting very expensive and almost always empty within a few days of filling up.”
O’Doherty says having access to clean period products can help to prevent physical health issues.
Having access to the products is what the Women’s Shelter employees feel is a basic human right.
“Period Poverty is a real thing up here, I’m sure everywhere is having the same issue as well,” she notes.
There is currently a shortage of most of the commonly used items, including all absorbency levels of sanitary napkins and tampons.
O’Doherty is hoping those who are able will help to refill the Period Pantries to help people in need.
The shelter operates two period pantries in Peace River that have been accessible all hours of the day to women in need.
The pantries are located downtown beside the Mental Health building at 10011 98 Street and one is at the shelter.
Both pantries are restocked as needed and depending on donations received.
O’Doherty asks that if you are able to, please donate panty liners, pads, tampons, or money to help buy products to put into the pantries.
Please phone the shelter at 780-624-3466 or drop them off as donations.
Corporate Sponsors are also welcome, if an individual or business is so inclined.