The local Barrie chapter of Days for Girls received a $4000 donation from District 17 Simcoe County of RTOERO that will enable them to create 200 feminine hygiene kits for girls in the developing world.
Many girls in the developing world are forced to miss several days a month (some even having to permanently drop out) of school because they lack appropriate hygiene products. Days for Girls is a non-profit organization that increases access to feminine hygiene products in developing countries.
“This program offers a simple solution that gives girls back time at school. At RTOERO, we understand the importance of education to improve their chances of success,” says Paul Healy, president, District 17 Simcoe County, RTOERO. The funding is part of RTOERO’s annual Project – Service to Others (PSTO). Districts apply for individual projects (education-related or other community initiatives) that support a local, national or international program.
Up to $4,000 per project is available. Each fall, a committee of RTOERO members assesses the merits of each PSTO submission. For 2020, RTOERO funded 20 projects for a total of $77,000. These projects range from providing reading resources to a home for seniors, to supporting a youth camp, to giving sleeping bags to the homeless. Since the inception of PSTO 20 years ago, RTOERO has donated $1.6 million to more than 500 programs and projects.
Featured image courtesy of Days for Girls via daysforgirls.org