Jenn Ko, Centretown News
House of Targ owner Paul Granger hosted the Tampons for TED benefit concert, which collected feminine hygiene products for disadvantaged women.In Old Ottawa South, House of Targ hosted the Tampons for TED benefit concert on April 8. This annual event focuses on raising community awareness towards mental health and substance abuse.
The event also highlights the challenges women struggling with mental health and addiction issues face when getting their monthly cycle – specifically when they do not have access to proper hygiene care products.
TED, meaning Targeted Engagement and Diversion, is one of the newest programs run by Ottawa Inner City Health.
The TED program offers a place for individuals under the influence a safe place to go, and also provides easy access to treatment and care for people struggling with substance abuse, physical and mental health problems.
“No one should have to choose between food or a tampon,” says Brooke Thrasher, founder of the Tampons for TED event.
This was the third annual Tampons for TED event, and the second time it has been held at House of Targ. She says they host the concert at House of Targ because of the support they provide the community and local artists.
The night featured musical performances by local bands Suns of Stone, Cold Capital, Lost to the River and THE FAYS who all volunteered their performances for the cause.
The benefit concert encouraged attendees to bring feminine hygiene products as their donation for the night.
All donations went towards the Women’s Special Care Unit at Shepherds of Good Hope and Booth at Cornerstone Housing for Women.
“(Getting their period) can be embarrassing for these women without the right products. So we’re super thankful and gracious for this event and the outcome of all the tampons and pads that our women and our TED program receive,” says Meara Zinn, the Shepherds of Good Hope’s program manager of client services.
Suns of Stone lead guitarist, Jimmy King, says institutions such as TED are important because they acknowledge individuals struggling with issues who would otherwise suffer alone.
“Everywhere people are dying or suffering from a mental health issue or substance abuse issues. It saddens me to know that there are so many invisible sufferers out there,” King says.
Thrasher says the night draws attention to a broader issue, which is that people often don’t think of donating feminine hygiene products.
She says it is an issue for these women because when they run out, there are not a lot of alternatives to tampons and pads.
Women are forced to use socks, face cloths or large amounts of paper products, which are all non-hygienic – leading to health issues, on top of clogged toilets in the community shelters.
Thrasher says allowing these women to have their periods with dignity is what makes this event so rewarding and such a big success.
Nick Hertzberg is a member of the band, Cold Capital, and he says the event allows everyone to have a better understanding of the struggle these women face.
“I think it’s hard for people to imagine not having something they absolutely need on a regular basis. We can get preoccupied with our wants and desires, but the essential things are usually provided,” he says. “Donating feminine hygiene products not only helps the recipients, it also helps people to empathize.”
Adam Brummel III is the lead singer, songwriter and rhythm guitar player for THE FAYS. He says the overall discussion of the night is significant, not just in reference to women, but to the homeless population in general.
“It continues a national dialogue about how we aren’t taking care of our most vulnerable,” Brummel says. “Regardless of … the ruling government’s ‘sunny ways,’ we continue to leave people out in the cold.”
“And without the most basic hygiene being affordable, with or without tax – that’s really unhealthy,” he says.
Paul Granger, more commonly known in the community as Yogi, owns House of Targ. He says when people come into the venue and see the pyramid of the feminine hygiene products they ask questions and seek answers – which ultimately leads to a heightened awareness for the cause.
“I’m super stoked when people take initiative in our community to help organize [and] help out with a cause – it pushes us all to try a little harder,” he says.