Sixth annual PEC Period Party promotes positive experience; donations and support

The grassroots advocacy group working toward the elimination of period poverty hosted its 6th annual PEC Period Party following a week-long menstrual product collection campaign throughout Prince Edward County, which garnered more than $4,000 worth of products.

More than 80 community members of all ages and genders gathered at the Department of Illumination’s Studio in Picton to celebrate menstrual health at the annual PEC Period Party.

“This year we saw even more dads and brothers coming out to support the pre-pubescent future menstruators in their lives,” said Alison Kelly, co-founder with 12-year-old Ramona Roblin. “They were asking questions to the panel, doing crafts, posing proudly in the photo booth, and some volunteered to deliver products within the community. What an empowering moment for the young people in attendance. ”

More than $1,000 in cash donations were shared with the Picton Library Community Cupboard and the Wellington Storehouse Foodbank.

Ramona preparing to deliver some of the donated products

Recipients of products this year included: theROC Youth Services, PELC, PEC Fresh Good Food Market, Picton Library Community Pantry, The HUB, Wellington Storehouse Foodbank, Belleville Bridge Street United Church, Tyendinaga Community Wellbeing Centre, Athol-South-Marysburgh Public School, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute.

This year’s theme at the family-friendly free event was “Puberty vs Perimenopause” in response to growing conversations between community members about wanting to learn more about what happens in later years.

Leading the panel answering questions from attendees was Joanna Howard, doula and menstrual health educator, along with Roblin, and PEC-based chef and nutritionist Rachel Bies, along with photographer and proud uterus-free Becky Hinch. Questions included “Should I be scared of my period?”, “How can non-menstruators support the menstruators in their lives?”, and from one of the youngest attendees, “Why do we pee?”

“What an insightful group of humans,” said Bies. “The youngest attendees impressed me the most with their awareness and balance. Much more positive experience than most of us at that age.”

Party goers were eager to learn about myths of menstruation and also enjoyed getting competitive playing “You “CAN” Do That (on Your Period) and Tampon Tennis.

After getting a photo at the Becky Hinch Photography Sports Card photo booth, proud athletes rewarded themselves with ribbons they made themselves, and filled their bellies from a snack buffet donated by the Acoustic Grill, and sugary delights donated by the Agrarian Market.

The apex of the event was the “smash the uterus” pinatas donated by Hannah Melnyk, which saw candy explosions to the delight of the youngest attendees.

Alison Kelly (Founder), with Ramona Roblin (Lead Event Planner)

The PEC Period Party was established in 2018 to raise awareness of period poverty in PEC, fundraising for essential menstrual products and creating a safe space for menstruating people and allies to normalize talking about menstrual health. The team includes Alison Kelly (Founder), Ramona Roblin (Lead Event Planner), Kelly Robin (Social Media) and Nell Casson (Artistic Director).

This event was free to all attendees thanks to funding sponsors Picton BIA, CGI, and Kelly’s Shop. Organizers thank menstrual products drop off locations this year including Kelly’s Shop, 555 Brew, PECish, Wellington Home Hardware, Midtown Brewing, [ah-boh] Home Store, Bloomfield Public Library and Hannah Melnyk Makes.

“It was our absolute pleasure to host this important initiative providing menstrual health education, collecting donations of period products, and having a ton of fun at the same time,” said Nell Casson, with The Department of Illumination.

“That was so much fun! If I get my period before the next party, I wonder if they will let me be part of the PEC Period Party team?” asked a 10-year-old attendee.