Local business owner joins initiative to provide feminine hygiene products for lower income women
Holly Mastrogiacomo, owner of Guelph consignment shop Smitten Apparel has decided to institute Tampon Tuesdays, part of a larger initiative to provide feminine hygiene products to women and girls living in poverty.
Customers at Smitten Apparel are encouraged to drop off donations at the store. From there, they will be donated to Out of Poverty, a collection of anti-poverty groups operating from 40 Baker St. Shoppers who bring feminine hygiene products into the store on Tuesdays get five per cent off their purchase and are also entered into a draw to win a gift card.
When asked about the cause, Mastrogiacomo told GuelphToday, “No woman should need to choose between feeding themselves and their family, or managing their hygiene with dignity.” While these products are a necessity, purchasing feminine hygiene products can be a major expense for those on a tight budget.
The Tampon Tuesday initiative began in London, Ont. back in 2009. In an effort to support the annual Spring Food Drive, CTV London toured the London Food Bank and noticed that there was a lack of feminine hygiene products in the non-food item cupboard. The next month, CTV London launched Tampon Tuesday. One package of feminine hygiene products granted admission to the event, which was catered by Jack Astor’s. Over 20 women attended the first Tampon Tuesday event on April 7, 2009 and due to the response, the initiative has continued to hold monthly meetings. According to the Tampon Tuesday website, events are now held monthly in London, Barrie, Toronto, and Montréal.
Mastrogiacomo is already known in the Guelph community for partnering with Second Chance employment centre to help provide interview outfits for clients in need.
The Guelph business owner’s participation in this initiative serves to open the eyes of locals to the need in our own community. While people are often quick to donate food, clothing, and even baby products to local food banks and shelters, the necessity of products like tampons and pads often slips their minds.
Due to Mastrogiacomo’s efforts, women’s issues are making their way into the news cycle. The Tampon Tuesday movement in Guelph reiterates the strength of a woman’s influence and the urgency of women’s issues.