Many girls and women in Canada lack something basic: access to hygiene products for their period. Now they’ll have them thanks to a $4,000 grant from District 48 Leeds and Grenville of RTOERO in 2020.

The grant is going to the group Days for Girls, which has created a kit that includes disposable products, menstrual cups and wash cups, and reusable shields. One kit will last three years. Local organizations will distribute the kits in the Brockville area, including to women’s shelters, food banks, Big Sisters and community service groups.

RTOERO include retirees and active employees from the broader education community, and has a mission to improve the lives of members and seniors.

“These kits are a much-needed resource for many women in the community who might be facing poverty or who are housing insecure,” says Stephen Elliott, President, District 48 L. “Having the kits can also make the difference in missing school or work for several days at a time.”

District members and other community members meet to assemble the kits. Days for Girls will also reach out to high school girls to introduce them to the project, and give them a chance to volunteer in putting the kits together.

The District 48 funding is part of RTOERO’s annual Community Grants program. Districts apply for individual projects (education-related or other community initiatives) that support a local, national or international program.