Over the summer, a group of Hamilton women got together to sew re-usable sanitary pads for the older girls at Home of Grace and women in need in the local community. Without them, the older girls would miss a week of school every month and women would miss the chance to work.
In August, a volunteer went to visit Kenya and took 30 pad kits in his luggage They were very well received by every recipient. They are comfortable and easy to care for. But most importantly, it means that these girls no longer miss school and women in the community can be more productive. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who came out to help with this successful event!
The television program 100 Huntley Street heard about this project and prepared a short documentary about the pad parties. It will air on 100 Huntley Street (CTS). You can catch it on Wednesday, November 24 at 11:00 a.m. or 9:00 p.m. or on Global at 9:00 a.m.
We will have the interview available online once we receive a copy. Stay tuned!
I do not sew, but, could the pads be made by knitting or crocheting using cotton yarn? Is there a pattern to follow with fabric suggestions? If fabric was sent to the women, could they make their own and would that be more beneficial?
Thanks for asking. In her research, Heidi found that the pads are most useful and beneficial if they include a variety of materials including a waterproof layer that will stand up to repeated washings. Cotton yarn would not achieve the same results.