The streets are lined with lights and there are Christmas trees in nearly every store window, which can only mean one thing: the holiday season has begun! No matter what holiday you celebrate, if any, there is a special type of cheer in the air around this time of year. For me, much of this cheer comes from giving back to organizations and causes that I care about.
This can look like anything from monetary donations to donating your time at a local food bank, or even writing holiday cards to distribute at your local elderly care home. Community support comes in many forms!
In the spirit of giving, I wanted to share with you some menstrual health organizations that are running holiday campaigns and would very much appreciate the extra support to bring some holiday cheer to the communities they serve:
- The Pad Project – The Pad Project acknowledges that period poverty is an international concern, and makes it a point to distribute menstrual products to those who need it across the globe. They are combating menstrual inequity in more ways than one by launching reusable pad making programs in various communities and furthering sexual and reproductive health education. The link above allows you to read through their various efforts and direct your donation towards the project that most resonates with you.
- The Period Project – The Period Project website provides a tutorial on how to host your own local “Packing Party,” which is a casual fundraiser that collects period products for donation, and also educates guests on the importance of menstrual equity. If you are interested in hosting your own Packing Party, check out their website for the necessary supplies and some tips.
- Bloody Good Period – This organization is based in England and is running a holiday-specific donation campaign called the “12 Days of Festive Period.” Bloody Good Period emphasizes the importance of personal choice and prioritizes the comfort of the people they work with, which is why they ask for a variety of period product donations. They also have free fundraising guides, easy-to use graphics, and informational packs for schools to help you spread the word.
- The Period Purse – This organization is Canada’s first and only registered charity dedicated to achieving menstrual equity by ensuring access to period products for all. Their giving campaign allows you to purchase a “Period Present” on behalf of a loved one and they will receive an e-card thanking them for their contribution to ending period poverty.
I hope you are able to spread some holiday cheer in whatever way you can this season.
I wish you all a joyous holiday season and a very Happy New Year – see you in 2025!
