Updated on September 6, 2024
In an uplifting event full of hope and community spirit, Citron Hygiene and Aunt Flow made their first significant donation of the year on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, marking a milestone in their commitment to creating better access to period products. This contribution was received by the Larga Baffin Centre in Ottawa, an essential establishment offering a comforting, supportive environment for those from the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut, who find themselves far from home in pursuit of medical care.
For residents of the Qikiqtani Region, access to medical services, especially specialized ones, is not only limited but often requires a journey of thousands of miles to more urban centers. Larga Baffin steps into this gap, providing not just a place to stay, but a community, managing transportation, housing, and food for Nunavummiut while they receive medical treatment in Ottawa.
The donation comprised 50,000 menstrual products, removing the anxiety menstruators might feel when having to purchase period products for themselves or their families. This effort was made possible through Citron Hygiene’s partnership with the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), an organization bridging the gap between needs and resources through its network of Provincial and Territorial Member Associations (PTMAs).
NWAC coordinated the distribution of these essential items, ensuring that Citron Hygiene and Aunt Flow’s donation program reached those in dire need via a trusted network deeply embedded within the community it seeks to serve.
The heart of this initiative was celebrated on the day of the donation when representatives from Citron Hygiene, Larga Baffin, and NWAC gathered at the Larga Baffin Centre. This gathering was not just about handing over a donation but was a meaningful opportunity for learning and sharing. The team from Citron Hygiene took this opportunity to immerse themselves in understanding the unique challenges faced by the Inuit communities, especially in terms of healthcare accessibility. It was a day marked by sharing, as members of the Larga Baffin community opened up about their culture, the hurdles in accessing healthcare in the North, and the robust sense of unity and support that thrives within the centre.
This event extends beyond a simple act of giving; it is a powerful example of how organizations can come together to not only address immediate needs but also to build bridges of understanding and support.
As we move forward, this initiative is a reminder of the importance of compassion, collaboration, and the ongoing effort to provide for our communities’ most basic needs. It’s a journey of empowerment, respect, and care – something that all communities should aspire to.
This year, Citron Hygiene and Aunt flow plan to keep the momentum going and continue to make a difference, one donation at a time.
