The Remarkable Story That is Tampon Tuesday
From the very beginning of the London Food Bank 32 years ago, it’s been an issue. Groups and individuals touring the facilities would marvel at the community’s generosity upon seeing the full shelves and armies of volunteers. But when we attempted to remind the community that food drives and food bank operations aren’t just about food but other necessary items, there would always be something of a hesitancy. That was especially true when we declared that feminine hygiene products were essential to our mandate, just as much as fresh vegetables or cereals.
One person taking such a tour in 2009 marvelled at that hesitancy. “Where are these hygiene products?” she asked sincerely. When Jane Roy, the food bank’s co-director, replied that it was a difficult task, this woman wondered if there might be another way to go about it.
Mandi Fields had the media connections and community savvy to take the project city-wide and within a few weeks Tampon Tuesdaywas launched. As the local media representative for CTV, she knew exactly what she was doing.
Last evening, we celebrated the 10thanniversary of Tampon Tuesdayand specifically Mandi’s part in it all. She has remained the key figure in an effort that has far transcended her influence and the food bank’s efforts. Shopper’s Drug Mart came on as an official sponsor years ago, and Jack Astor’s hosted the ongoing sessions . Many other organizations and individuals joined the cause and before long the food bank shelves began filling to the degree that a section of the food bank warehouse was carved out of all that crammed space to make room for the hygiene products being donated. More importantly, the issue of women’s health took increased in prominence and the word “tampon” entered London’s lexicon in all ways positive.
When the United Way of Middlesex-London decided they wanted to help take the initiative Canada-wide, a new and exciting movement was unleashed. Tampon Tuesdayis now in 42 communities across the country and a force to be reckoned with, more because of its message than the products.
And it’s more than merely about women’s health. Ultimately, it’s about change – change in attitudes, change in vocabulary, change in the liberation of our community spirit. And it’s about citizenship – the real, dynamic, inspiring and hopeful kind. The entire program started in the mind of a true champion – an extraordinary citizen – who took an idea and realized it as a collective dream for all communities.
For the London Food Bank, Tampon Tuesday permitted the organization to speak with openness and transparency about needs in our community and the importance of women and girls to have those needs met. Tampon Tuesdayis a reminder of what a dedicated group of women can accomplish in driving a sense of inclusion, openness and a new vocabulary through our collective humanity. No wonder we celebrated so much last evening.
If you’re interested in the one-minute whiteboard video of the story, narrated by Jane, that was shown at the event, you can view it here.