THUNDER BAY — Homelessness comes with plenty of challenges, including access to menstrual products.
To combat the issue, Coun. Shelby Ch’ng has joined forces with two members of Lakehead University’s Philanthropic Association to create a series of videos, being launched this week on TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn, along with a link to donate.
The trio is hoping to raise $500 through their Thunder Bay Shark Week campaign, to help cover the costs of menstrual products for those living on the streets.
“I started this drive after a visit to the Shelter House to drop off donations from a non-perishable item drive we organized; while I was there, the workers expressed such gratitude for the few packages of pads and said that they were always in dire need of period products and explained how many people come to their shelter seeking these item,” said organizer Chelsea Opperman.
“The partnership grew from a resolution by Coun. Shelby Ch’ng to include period products in City facilities. We thought she would be a good community leader to partner with to help us with our fundraising goal.”
The videos will feature local leaders discussing period poverty, filmed, produced and edited by Ch’ng, using her personal phone.
She said it was a no-brainer to take part.
“We’re releasing one video a day, for the next five days. We have a GoFundMe page to fundraise $500. It’s a small amount, but we’re hoping the community comes forward and we can really stretch the dollars. It’s going until March 31,” Ch’ng said, reached by phone by CKPR Radio.
One hundred per cent of the proceeds will be used to purchase period products for Shelter House.
A total of $200 of the $500 goal has already been raised.
