NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
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The Orillia Public Library is taking a bold step fostering health equity with the launch of Project Free Flo.
This initiative aims to tackle period poverty and eliminate the stigma associated with menstruation.
Every public bathroom in the library will be stocked with free pads and tampons. Additionally, period kits, which include pads, tampons, a reusable Knix pad, hand wipes, and the book, Own Your Period, by Chella Quint, are now available. Kits can be picked up free of charge at the library and The Sharing Place (while supplies last).
Project Free Flo is generously funded by the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health, which awarded a $20,000 grant for this groundbreaking program. This funding will be used to create 200 period kits and stock all Orillia Public Library bathrooms with free pads and tampons for the next five years. Kits have also been distributed to the Lighthouse, Green Haven Shelter for Women, and the Gilbert Centre.
Speaking on the rollout of the project, director of children and youth services Meagan Wilkinson stated, “We are thrilled to launch Project Free Flo and be community leaders in promoting menstrual equity. This initiative will provide access to free menstrual products and remove some of the unnecessary stigma around menstruation.”
The impact of period poverty is a real and growing problem in our communities, and this issue was further intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this, the library is determined to remove financial, social, and physical barriers, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
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