In commemoration of the UN’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, Walford Anglican School for Girls, Seymour College, Loreto College, Wilderness School, and Rostrevor College are among the schools running fundraising campaigns throughout May to raise crucial funds and awareness about period poverty in the state.
According to a survey conducted in May 2020, one in four South Australian girls miss school because they lack access to feminine hygiene products, and half of them are unaware of how to obtain sanitary items at school. In response to these alarming statistics, KickStart for Kids launched the “Against Period Poverty” initiative in 2021, aiming to raise awareness, provide support, and gather funds to assist young girls in South Australia facing period poverty. The local charity now distributes sanitary items to over 150 schools in the state, but there is still much work to be done.
To demonstrate their commitment to the cause, teachers and student leaders from each participating Adelaide school have taken proactive measures, organizing school assemblies where KickStart for Kids founder Ian Steel and renowned TikTok personality and KickStart for Kids Against Period Poverty Ambassador Jenna with the Pink will address the students. These assemblies will be accompanied by a sanitary product drive, allowing students and teachers to donate items in designated KSFK Against Period Poverty/National Pharmacies donation bins in the weeks leading up to and following World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Lara Tamke, Walford’s School Captain, emphasised the significance of supporting those who face a lack of basic human necessities.
It is so easy for us to forget that there are so many people our age living in our city who are lacking basic human needs such as sanitary products.
“We are so lucky to attend the schools we do, so it is really important that we do what we can to support those who are more disadvantaged,” she said.
In addition to the support from Adelaide schools, KickStart for Kids is organising its inaugural fundraising event on May 26 at the Belgian Beer Café in the city’s East End. The event aims to raise funds for the cause, with 100% of the proceeds being allocated to combat period poverty. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers, including KickStart for Kids founder Ian Steel, event emcee, SAFM breakfast host, and KSFK ambassador Rebecca Morse. The event will also feature a silent auction, live music, and a fashion parade hosted by local South Australian designer label, Sunset Lover.
Photography: Sarah Reed
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