On Saturday November 10, DPCM and volunteers worked with Moon Time Sisters ON and their volunteers. Veronica’s mother Lesley came from Stratford, Lumy’s brother Carlos came from Monterey,  DPNCHC colleague Ana helped and took pictures. Some came from the neighbourhood,  some from Simcoe, York, Orillia and all other locations from the GTA, about 80 in all were coming in and out and a core of 30, poured into the sanctuary of Davenport Perth United Church, unwrapped, removed all unnecessary packaging, of feminine hygiene products, and re-packed them to go to our sisters in the northern communities where prices for these are four to five times or more what we pay for them in the GTA.

MoonTime Sisters started in Northern Saskatchewan as an organization that supports the need for feminine hygiene products in our Northern communities.

At 2:30, Vee  gathered us all in gratitude. By 3:15, we gathered 88 boxes to be sent to three different communities. (We also set aside a few boxes for local organizations.) A woman who  just happened to drop by asked about where the boxes were going and said she is from one of these communities. She said we did a great and beautiful  thing. We were humbled.

Then they were off.  I found out that from Timmins to where they were going, the cost of shipping is at $2 a pound. Really?

As in food banks, we recognize that while this raised awareness and a sense of solidarity for our sisters, this was not sustainable.

Why is transportation of goods to these communities so costly?

In the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, we seek a new relationship with the Original Peoples of this land, one based in honour and respect.

We still have a long way to go and a lot of structures to go through, repair or break down, to bring us closer to all our relations.

Chi-miigwech and Salaam, tc.