MOUNT FOREST – Free feminine hygiene products will soon be available at the Mount Forest Sportsplex thanks to a new community initiative.
Created by residents Kay Ayres and Drew Nelson, the program kickstarted earlier this year as a way to fill the gap for those who don't qualify for the food bank or don't go to high school, where these products can occasionally be found.
Another dispenser is planned for the Arthur arena. Both dispensers will be equipped with tampons.
A 2023 public opinion survey on behalf of Women and Gender Equality Canada found one in six Canadians who menstruate have experienced period poverty. This rises to one in four when a household earns less than $40,000 per year.
An unveiling ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m .today on the arena side of the Mount Forest Sportsplex after which products will be available.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
