Woman who hands out 'Period Purses' amazed by response from Torontonians

A Toronto woman who began handing out purses filled withpads and tampons to women living in the streets says she is overwhelmed bythe response from the community since her appearance on CBC Toronto's Metro Morningjust over two months ago.

The thought of menstruating and having limited or no access to feminine hygiene products is what led Jana Girdauskas to come up withThe Period Purse earlier this year.By February,shehad handed out 11 purses filled with tampons, pads and feminine hygiene products to homeless women or those living in shelters.

Since then,more than 750 purses have been handed out. The idea of Period Purses has also expanded to seven other cities.

"I think it's something so simple and basic and a natural body process that all women go through so I think it is hitting people that it is not our choice, it is needed and we know how expensive those products can be," Girdauskassaid.

• Toronto woman handing out 'Period Purses' filled with tampons, pads to homeless women

She said she has received support from all kinds of people, from senior retirement homes to high schools.

"A six-year-old girl didn't want Easter chocolate or presents She wanted her family to donate. A six-year-old went out and bought tampons and pads," she said.

"A mother passed away and her son that one makes me cry hedonated her stuff to us."

Girdauskas, a working mother with two young children,thought the enthusiasm initiative would fade over timebut it has only gotten more popular. She now has a team of volunteers helping her organize packing parties.

"Alot of people [are] donating their talents and services. We are now a corporate non-profit organization," she said.

The Period Purse has a "packing party" Saturday evening at 7 p.m. atKimbourne Park United Church in the upper Beacharea where volunteers will put together more purses to hand out.

The team has also launched a new website where people canvolunteer and find out what and where to donate.

Other thanfeminine hygiene products, the purses also includea variety ofthings, such as scarves, deodorants and coffee gift cards.

"I think people have really attached to the idea. It's simple; you can just open your closet and pull out some toiletries and feminine products and an extra purse,Girdauskassaid.

"It's opening minds and starting uncomfortable conversations."