Holiday 'tampon drive' gathers feminine hygiene products for Saint John women in need

For the second year in Saint John, a holiday "tampon drive" iscollecting feminine hygiene products for those in need, essential items that many admit are often overlooked.

The Code Red Distribution Project launched in 2016 and has been sending period packs to seven community groups.

Inside ziplock bags, women experiencing homelessness or living below the poverty line can find the tampons or pads they need to get them through the month.

"Really there's no questions asked," said Pam Wheaton, the president of Code Red's board. "If you need it, then it's there for you."

The group started sending out 50 packs a month, but demand soon showed there was a need for 200 a month.

That demand doesn't dissipate during the holiday season, which is why Code Red is now conducting its annual tampon drive. Last year, it collected 31,023 individual products from donations.

"I was almost in tears everyday," Wheaton said of the response. "People were so kind, it was really a beautiful experience."

The impressive results came not long after Code Red launched, which is why Wheaton hopes to surpass that number this year.

Donations of pads, tampons or individually wrapped personal wipes can be dropped off at Wheaton's Germain Streetstore,Heartbreak Boutique, until Dec. 4.

The campaignwill help women avoid resorting to unsafe practices or going without feminine products altogether.

"If you're a women, then you understand how extremely difficult that is," she said.

This week, Wheaton helped Lisa Martin carry two massive boxes of donated items out of her shop. A retired union member, Martin said she is planning to host apacking party with her union sisters.

"I would strongly encourage folks, if you have a few extra dollars, it's a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference to women who so desperately need it in the community," Martin said.

Martin also said she's heard from groups thatprovided direct access to the packs, and the results are huge.

"It's made a real difference and allows them to have accessibility with dignity," she said.

One of those groups handing out the period packs is AIDS Saint John.

"It's just been absolutely fantastic for people" said Diane Kerns, who heads up its needle exchange program.

Kerns said the donations from Code Red's holiday drive will carry on through the new year, andbenefit many women in the community.