How many people does it take to make a change in the world? That is a question that Danielle Graham asked herself before beginning an initiative to do her part to make a change for the better in someone else’s life. Through her Women & Gender Studies class at University, Graham is hoping to benefit others through the use of social media. “I decided to look at how social media can be used to make social change and part of this is that we are doing an action where we try to help someone out, or make a change for the better. I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to make a large scale change on my own because I am just one person, but I figured I would do something that might be able to help the community just one person at a time,” Graham explained.
Through this, Graham is using Facebook to collect feminine hygiene products to donate to the Saskatoon Food Bank, an item that is rarely donated, despite the high level of necessity. “The food bank gets lots of food donations and clothing, but people don’t really think about things like this. If you are in a rough spot, feminine hygiene products are often the last thing on the list to buy, even though it is something that all women require,” said Graham.
Part of the inspiration for this initiative came from a documentary about the struggles that homeless women face during their ‘time of the month’. It can be difficult for people facing financial difficulties to be able to afford these products. “There is an issue of homelessness in Saskatoon, and people might not realize just how difficult it can be for these women to have even the most basic of products. It is an issue that is overlooked a lot and the cost adds up. If you have to choose between food or a box of tampons, food is going to take precedence,” Graham added.
So far, there have been several donations, and Danielle will be accepting the donations until December 5th, so there is still time to contribute to this amazing cause. Donations of full packages are accepted, as well as individually wrapped and sealed items.
For more information contact Danielle on Facebook at ‘Dani Graham’, or email danielletaylorgraham@gmail.com.
