THUNDER BAY — Having access to menstrual products isn't easy for many who require them.
For people who get periods, always having to buy or source out tampons, pads, and other items can be costly, especially for marginalized individuals.
Flowing For Change is a yearly fundraiser that helps curb those efforts, as well as raise awareness and break stigmas around menstruation.
For a third year, organizer Chelsea Opperman is tackling the nine-week awareness campaign with events to help raise money and awareness.
She's also partnered with a pair of small businesses, GetOnly and Get Joni, where every $5 donation will be used to purchase enough products for an entire monthly cycle.
On Friday, March 1, Opperman is hosting Brewing Conversations in Lakehead University's Faculty Lounge from 6 to 10 p.m., which will feature panellists who intend to help open discussions surrounding menstruation and its associated stigmas.
A big finale drag event is being hosted on March 28 called "Bleeding Glitter," which will have tickets become available on the campaign's website starting March 14.
Last year, Opperman was able to donate 16,000 products to four shelters in Thunder Bay.
To date, her fundraising efforts have supplied over 23,000 hygiene products that have been donated to Shelter House, Beendigen, Faye Peterson House, the Women's Centre and the Lakehead University Food Resource Centre.
More details about Flowing For Change can be found on its website.
