Feminine hygiene products donated for Tampon Tuesday in Windsor, March 7, 2017. (Photo by Maureen Revait)Feminine hygiene products donated for Tampon Tuesday in Windsor, March 7, 2017. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
Windsor

Can you spare menstrual hygiene products for Tampon Tuesday?

The United Way/Centraide of Windsor-Essex County is looking for donations of menstrual hygiene products for its annual Tampon Tuesday drive.

This year, the Town of Tecumseh and 16 high schools are collecting products.

The United Way said residents could also drop off donations at the Harbour House Waterfront Eatery on Riverside Drive East in Windsor between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Town of Tecumseh is accepting donations at Tecumseh Arena until Friday.

"The collection of menstrual products is extremely important for so many in our community," said Mayor Gary McNamara. "By donating to Tampon Tuesday, you're ensuring equality and dignity to people who need menstrual products."

While menstrual products are among the most requested items at food banks, they are often the least donated.

"Many people in our community struggle to purchase menstrual hygiene products for themselves and their dependents and may have to go without, causing them to miss activities such as work or school," said the United Way.

About a third of women and girls in Canada occasionally make budgetary sacrifices to afford tampons, pads, and menstrual cups.

Donated products will be redistributed through the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association's network of 15 organizations, along with St. Clair College, Harrow Community Pantry, Pozitive Pathways, Street Help, and the United Way's On Track to Success program.

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