Project: Full Stop

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The Story

In late 2019, GPPL received a $15,000 grant to supply free period products in all of GPPL’s washrooms. The grant was provided by the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge which asked applicants one question: What is your boldest idea to respond to an urgent local need?

For two librarians at GPPL, the answer to this question was simple: supply free pads and tampons in all of the Library’s washrooms to help fight period poverty. Period poverty is a widespread issue that effects millions of people, including Canadians, every day. Check out these stats from a 2018 Canadian gender study conducted by Plan International:

• One in three individuals under the age of 25 have indicated that they have not been able to afford period products at some point in their life.
• Over 80 per cent of those surveyed say that their period has prevented them from fully participating in activities
• 70 per cent of those surveyed say that their period has caused them to miss school, work, or social activities

Aside from supplying free period products in the washrooms at GPPL, another desired outcome of the project is to get people talking about period poverty, and to encourage other organizations and businesses in the community to provide free pads and tampons in their washrooms as well.

If you have any questions about the project or would like more information, please contact Hailey McCullough, Head of Adult Services at hmccullough@gppl.ca or by calling 780-357-7474.