Guelph clothing store starts Tampon Tuesdays to help women in need

A woman should never have to choose between buying food or tampons, Holly Mastrogiacomo says.

The Guelph businesswoman owns Smitten Apparel and is already known for donating job interview outfits to women who need them, as well as a recent fundraiser where her staff collected Canadian Tire money, which was in turn donated to Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis.

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"I just really feel passionate about women's issues and empowering women," Mastrogiacomo said. "We just think women should have dignity when choosing how to take care of themselves."

Now, if customers bring in tampons or pads to the consignment shop on Tuesday, they will get a five per cent discount on their purchase. They will also receive a ballot to win a gift certificate.

The products are donated to 40 Baker Street, a local outreach program that offers help to low-income and at-risk residents. Mastrogiacomo also said she wants to raise awareness that these are products that all women need, but those living on lower incomes might not always be able to afford.

"I have family and friends that have had teenage children who have taken the wrong path, so it's good to know that they can be cared for if they need it through this kind of outreach," Mastrogiacomo said.

Ongoing need for products

John Neufeld, the executive director of the House of Friendship in Kitchener, said these kinds of drives can really help local organizations that help women, because there is always need.

"These are very expensive items and so when you're living on low income, that's a challenge," he said, adding it's not just feminine products but diapers for babies are also in demand.

House of Friendship has received those items and they have been distributed the products through their food hamper program, community centres or women in their addictions programs.

The products "are necessary, but they're also expensive," Neufeld said. "It's an ongoing need."