The feminine hygiene kits provided to Peace Wapiti Academy by International Paper (photo courtesy of the Peace Wapiti Public School Division)

By Liam Verster

Hygiene Poverty

International Paper donates feminine hygiene products to Grande Prairie high schools

Oct 21, 2020 | 2:53 PM

International Paper Grande Prairie, with assistance from the United Way Alberta Northwest, has gifted two Grande Prairie high schools with feminine hygiene kits for students in need.

The kits are packaged up in International Paper bags, and contain Maxi Pads Always Daily, feminine hygiene wipes and an encouraging and positive note for the user. 180 of these kits went to the Peace Wapiti Public School Division, to be distributed to students at the Peace Wapiti Academy.

Wanda Gerard, the principal of Peace Wapiti Academy, says these products are very important and not inexpensive, and this gift highlights the fact that many women and girls struggle of Hygiene Poverty.

“This gift really highlights the issue of poverty, and how it extends to all areas of a person’s life,” says Gerard. “For some families, accessing these types of hygiene products is very difficult, and it may impact their child’s ability to attend school.

“So, it certainly is an area that we tend not to even think about as a community, about what could prevent a child from attending school, and so this gift is certainly very thoughtful, and will go a long ways in making sure students have a positive experience at school and are able to attend.”

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Local History

Oliver's Funeral Home - 109 years of Service

Sep 04, 2024

Gerard adds that she hopes to work with the United Way and International Paper again in the future to provide more of these products to students who can’t afford them.

The kits won’t be given directly to the students right away, but instead the school will identify those who are most in need, and provide them with the kits when necessary.

The Grande Prairie Public School Division confirms that 392 of these kits were also donated to the Grande Prairie Composite high school.

Gerard adds that she’s extremely grateful to International Paper for the donation and the subsequent support it will give to students.

“It’s a first one-of-a-kind for Peace Wapiti Academy. It’s something that’s often overlooked, and it certainly is something we’re very grateful for to be identified as a recipient of their donation.”