Youth-led group works to improve access to hygiene products

Source: Anviksha Singh.

Grade 10 students, Mariam Abdulbaki and Anviksha Singh are behind ‘Hygiene for Humanity’, a non-profit working to improve access to hygiene products in London, Ont.

“We did some research and found that a big issue in our community is a lack of hygiene products,” said Abdulbaki.

“It really makes people feel a lack of dignity.”

The initiative launched in November.

“We decided that this project and initiative would be a great way that we could make sure everyone has access,” said Singh.

“And do it in a way that we could help as well.”

Organizers collect essential items through donation drives at local schools.

“We have a wide range of products from hygiene stuff to menstrual care products to winter essentials,” said Abdulbaki.

“Some things we focused on for our health and hygiene drive were toothpaste, toothbrushes, socks, scarves.”

Abdulbaki and Singh said they have received “unwavering” support from their peers.

“We also had a lot of support from people just bringing in items or supporting our drive, sharing it with others,” said Singh.

Once collected, items are donated to local shelters and churches, something London City Councillor Corrine Rahman said the city needs to see more of.

“What I’m really empowered to see right now is that we’re seeing more young people get involved,” said Rahman.

“We’re seeing them understand the complexities of homelessness and take that knowledge and do something with it and be active in the community.”

Singh and Abdulbaki said this is just the beginning for “Hygiene for Humanity”.

“We want to continue this for as long as possible,” said Abdulbaki.