The Hygiene Hub is one of the core programs of GlobalMedic’s Grassroots Revolution. In 2020, GlobalMedic began growing its domestic operations and rapidly scaled them up once the pandemic hit Canada. Since then, we have observed a visible demand for hygiene products and cleaning supplies that is not being met by other services.
The Needs
Existing issues like food insecurity and poverty in Canada have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an increased need for food assistance across the country. According to the most recent “Who’s Hungry” Report from the Daily Bread and North York Harvest food banks, the demand for food bank services has skyrocketed in the Greater Toronto Area. Between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, there were a staggering 1.45 million visits to food banks in Toronto, representing a 47% increase over the previous year. Skyrocketing inflation means that the number of families struggling to pay bills is rapidly increasing. In a 2021 survey of food bank visitors, two out of three respondents reported having less than $100 left after paying for housing and utilities each month.
A major barrier to people struggling with poverty is their hygiene – a lack of access to proper hygiene can reduce self-confidence and increase the marginalization that many are already subject to. When struggling to meet basic needs like food, items like toiletries and cleaning supplies can become less of a priority. However, hygiene items and cleaning supplies are critical in maintaining one’s health and dignity. The cost of items like toiletries and cleaning supplies are rising, but food banks often don’t prioritize them.
Our Solution
To respond to this issue, GlobalMedic has established the Hygiene Hub. This Hub operates much like a food bank, focusing on toiletries and cleaning products instead of food. Our goal with this program is to create easier access to basic hygiene items like deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, diapers, soap and other items. By increasing access and supporting the hygiene needs of people experiencing poverty, we alleviate the burden of having to choose critical items like food over hygiene items.
The hygiene items for this program are generously donated by various stakeholders. GlobalMedic’s experienced staff coordinates the donation of these items and oversees the sorting, organizing, and delivery of the items by our dedicated volunteers. These items are then made available to community organizations helping vulnerable families.
Our volunteers also assemble individual hygiene kits containing full sized items including shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and menstrual hygiene products which are given to shelters, food banks and other support programs to distribute to their clients.
Our Impact
Since 2017 GlobalMedic has been working with community partners to distribute:
