Heather Clifford recently created Airdrie Operation Period and collected more than 4,000 feminine hygiene products for women in need.
“The idea behind ending ‘period poverty’ is to provide essential period products to any one in need, while also taking the stigma away from periods in general and the shame that so many associate with it,” she says.
Clifford has been working with Airdrie P.O.W.E.R Women’s Day Shelter to allow access to feminine hygiene products for anyone visiting the shelter, and using the location as a pick-up spot for anyone that is not necessarily affected by abuse or violence, but that cannot otherwise afford these products.
She is also in talks with local middle and high schools to provide a bin of products to be accessed at any time without the need to ask someone for access.
“This initiative is important to me because it is an essential need, and it should be important to everyone,” says Clifford.
Crystal Boys, president and founder of Airdrie P.O.W.E.R., nominated Clifford for the Amazing Determination Award.
“She believes no women should be without the feminine hygiene products they need every month,” Boys says.
“She has taken great initiative to begin a program where anyone needing these products can get them and that is amazing.”