Medicine Hat Skateboard Association, Redcliff Youth Centre dignitaries pose in front of the first few palettes of feminine hygiene products in the back of the Root Cellar for the campaign's soft launch on Thursday.--NEWS PHOTO ANNA SMITH
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The Medicine Hat Skateboard Association is once again pushing to end period poverty within the City of Medicine Hat through its annual drive.
The initiative has been ongoing for a few years now, partnering with community organizations such as the Root Cellar and Redcliff Youth Centre in order to get funds and menstrual products for those who might otherwise struggle to procure them due to financial insecurity.
“We’re really going for it this year,” said Davie James with MHSA. “The full $36,000, to eliminate period poverty here in Medicine Hat for a whole year.”
It’s estimated it costs roughly $3,000 a month in Medicine Hat to provide these products to all Root Cellar clients who need them, said James. In 2025, this same campaign collected a total of $14,470 worth of product, which was more than double what they had collected the year prior.
From Mar. 6 to Apr. 13, residents are asked to purchase various menstrual products and drop them off for donation at one of many locations throughout the city, including Medicine Hat College Fitness Centre, Station Coffee House, the Root Cellar, Sun Valley Honda, Link Church, Save On Foods and more.
“No one should have to choose between their next meal and basic hygiene; yet for many in Medicine Hat, period poverty is a daily reality,” said MHSA. “Dignity is a right, not a luxury.”
