Many thanks to Lea Serron, Women’s Representative on the Union of Taxation Employees Equal Opportunities Committee and member of the PSAC Vancouver Regional Women’s Committee for this report on the RWC’s Feminine Hygiene and Basics Bag Campaign for 2019.
The PSAC Vancouver Regional Women’s Committee held a collection drive this year called the FHaB Campaign (Feminine Hygiene and Basics Bag) to collect feminine hygiene products and toiletry items for disadvantaged women in the Lower Mainland. Lookout Housing and Health Society was chosen as the recipient of our collection efforts.
The Committee assembled over 100 bags and had enough supplies leftover for the organization to assemble dozens more.
I had the distinct privilege of dropping off the Committee’s donation and to put it succinctly, the experience was humbling.
Although each of us has our own unique set of challenges in our lives, we are nonetheless very fortunate to have all that we have; we have jobs, roofs over our heads, and food in our tummies.
’Tis the season of giving so I encourage all of you to give what you can to your local shelter to help others in need. You can start by cleaning out your closets and cupboards of items collecting dust in your homes.
Needed items:
- Cold weather gear such as jackets, scarves, gloves
- Socks
- Toiletry items, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste (here’s a great opportunity to put all of those hotel toiletries to good use!)
- Feminine hygiene products, especially tampons
- Makeup
Some shelters help people by giving them “starter kits” when they’ve managed to secure housing. These kits may include the following:
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Dishes
- Pots and pans
- Cutlery, especially forks and spoons.
Thank you to everyone who helped make our FHaB Campaign such a success. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.
– Lea