No Woman Without. Period. kicked off its month-long drive this week by announcing that its goal is to collect more than 7,000 packages of feminine hygiene products for WIN House, Lurana Shelter, The Bissell Centre and other organizations that serve Edmontonians in need.
“For clients of WIN House having just fled from domestic abuse, a basic need such as this is usually not top of mind. But, through community support and donations of period supplies such as from the No Woman Without. Period. campaign, we can help ensure her journey to an abuse-free life has one less hurdle, one less barrier, and one more reason to hold onto her dignity,” said Tess Gordey, WIN House’s executive director.
Feminine hygiene products aren’t always the first thing people think of when purchasing items to donate to charity. When a homeless woman approached Scarlet Bjornson to spare some change, she asked what the woman was going to use the money for. The woman replied, “Well truthfully, ma’am, I would like to buy some booze, but I need to buy some tampons.”
That’s when Bjornson decided to found No Woman Without. Period.
“7.5 billion people are on the planet because a woman had her menstrual cycle. It’s time to make this an everyone issue,” she said.
Feminine hygiene products are often in high demand and are frequently requested by agencies that work with women escaping abusive relationships or women who are homeless. As part of the February campaign, Blush Lane Organic Market and SPUD.ca will be donating 50 per cent of the proceeds of all Organ(y)c feminine hygiene product sales back to the drive.
There are 16 drop-off locations around the Edmonton area including the NABI Connector on Carnegie Drive, Sweet Boutique at 200 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert Vision Centre at 3520 Tudor Glen Market, and Game OVR, #129, 1 Hebert Rd.
For more information, go to www.nowomanwithout.com.
Wynn’s food bank campaign strikes up a hockey match
The Wynn Against Hunger campaign to drive up support for the St. Albert Food Bank has added three periods to help fill the boxes. The campaign ends on Friday, Feb. 15 … technically speaking, but the St. Albert Atom Bisons and Jets are set to play a charity game next weekend to help out the cause with organizers asking viewers to bring donations to the event.Attendees can enjoy hot-dogs and burgers, and hot chocolate and coffee while they watch the exhibition match. Game time is actually 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17, not starting at 1:30 p.m. as originally reported. It will take place at the Willoughby Outdoor Rink, 6 Willoughby Dr. Contact organizer Nicole Tersigni at [email protected] for more details.
Drop-off locations, updates and other information can be found at www.facebook.com/unitedinlightforever. People can also request home pickup through that social media channel or via email at [email protected]. Financial donations can be made online by visiting www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/st-albert-food-bank-and-community-village/campaign/wynn-against-hunger.
Mosque open for cold snap reprieve, volunteers needed
The Al Rashid Mosque is opening its doors to give the homeless a place to stay overnight during this bitter, icy time. The mosque, located at 13070 113 St. in Edmonton, will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. for the duration of the extreme cold period. In addition to having a warm place to stay, guests coming in will be offered hot meals and other necessities.Organizers with Canada’s oldest mosque, in collaboration with the Alberta Muslim Public Affairs Council, have requested overnight volunteers to assist with the effort. For more information, please contact Al Rashid’s communications director, Noor Al-Henedy, at 780-655-5141 or via email at [email protected].
Cold walkers wanted
The Mustard Seed is signing up participants for its upcoming Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser. The walkathon, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 23, sees people walking two, five or 10 kilometres throughout the cold evening as a way of “walking in other people’s shoes” and draw attention to the cause of helping those experiencing homelessness and poverty.The goal for this year’s event is to raise $35,000 to help support The Neighbour Centre, which serves people in south Edmonton. It is the only adult drop-in south of the river.
Pre-registration can be done online at www.cnoy.org and the event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 23, starting from Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10014 81 Ave. A warm, light meal will be served to all walkers and volunteers as well.
Help wanted for Victim Services
The board of St. Albert Victim Services has open seats available after the retirement of two of its longest serving members. A treasurer is urgently needed.The independent non-profit works closely with first responders to offer support, assistance, information and referrals to victims of crime, violent acts, and those affected by accidental or natural disasters. A commitment of four to six hours per month is required, which includes a monthly board meeting.
For more information, contact Margaret Geall at [email protected] or by calling 780-905-7996.
