Three Comox Valley business women know firsthand what good menstrual products can do and that for some women, it can even be life-changing.
The women behind Blushing Bluebird Essentials (or Blue Bird Pads on social media) - sisters Danielle Farrant, Amie Webster and mom Leah Hope - create reusable, organic, made-in-the-Valley menstrual products.
They also understand for women in developing countries the lack of products has a huge impact on their lives; girls miss school during the monthly cycles and it causes a great disparity in their access to education, explained Webster.
As a result, the women decided to reach out and provide tangible assistance to those in need.
Webster said they first heard of JeJim Haiti Ministry through a family friend. The organization provides medical services, school and services to an underserved village eight hours from Port Au Prince.
“On Black Friday, Danielle proposed the idea to do something counter-culture and instead of doing a Black Friday sale, (we) actually give away a pad for every pad that was purchased. We all loved the idea and were so thrilled to find a way to contribute to this special initiative.”
She added their friend will be heading to Haiti shortly to deliver items including Bluebird Pads, underwear, soap and other essentials. The project will specifically reach out to 36 women.
“Our customers … really responded and we were able to donate 46 handsewn pads that will be delivered in January.”
Webster said when the company started, one goal was to bring awareness about the use of washable cloth pads as a sustainable option. Equally important she noted, was finding a way to help in a way that was relevant and truly helpful - not just a ‘feel good’ project.
“At Bluebird Pads, we value creating relationships with those who can directly meet the need of ladies in developing countries. We are still in the process of learning more about how we can use the resources we have to impact the lives of women near and far,” added Webster.
She noted the company would like to continue the initiative and welcomes inquiries by community members throughout the year as to how they can help.
Right now, the project is yearly, but Bluebird hopes to find ways to see it grow as their local business continues to grow.
Another team also went to Kenya to deliver Bluebird Pads from money which was raised by individuals within the Valley.
“The needs around us can seem so great at times that it’s easy to live in paralysis and do nothing,” noted Webster. “We are trying to press into that and take action to make a difference, even if it’s one pad at a time. It is very rewarding to see our products being received with enthusiasm in far away places.”
For more information, visit bluebirdpads.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
erin.haluschak@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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