Bloodsport IV: A Pad & Tampon Drive Benefitting Our Communities

Durham, NC – Did you know that pads and tampons are not covered by SNAP (food stamps) or WIC benefits and are taxed as a LUXURY item??

The average woman that menstruates will have about 456 periods over 38 or so years. This amounts to lots and lots of pads and tampons that cost between 6 and 10 dollars a box. On top of that, most states tax pads and tampons as LUXURY items adding to the costs of menstruation (not to mention the costs associated with dealing with PMS). For lower-income and/or homeless individuals, accessing these necessary hygiene products can be difficult, leading to negative impacts on employment, education, and health.

Co-hosted by the Eno River Women’s Rugby Football Club, Bull City Roller Derby,  and the League of Upper Extremity Wrestling Women of Durham (LUEWWD), “Bloodsport IV: Let It Flow” is the fourth annual pad and tampon drive and will be held on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019 at 6:00 pm at The Pinhook (117 W. Main St, Durham, NC 27701). Attendees are asked to bring unopened packages of pads and tampons or cash donations to purchase additional supplies for recipient organizations. The plan is to stock the shelves of Partners for Youth Opportunity, StepUp Durham, Urban Ministries of Durham, and the NC Diaper Bank (which distributes pads and tampons to a number of local organizations).

A number of local businesses have signed up to be collection sites now through Feb 14th, including The Retreat at Brightleaf, Rock Paper Scissors Salon and Gallery, Center Studio Architecture, Rock’s Bar and Hair Shop, Cocoa Cinnamon (Lakewood location), Carmen Carmen Salon at Southpoint, James Joyce Irish Pub, and The Tranquility Company.

New to the event this year…some arm wrestling has been thrown into the mix! A representative from each organization – Eno River Rugby, Bull City Roller Derby, and LUEWWD – will take the stage in a round robin competition. Want to join in the fun?? There will also be a round of open table wrestling (i.e., crowd participation) and a costume contest. They are bringing Lozen back to the stage to MC the event and pepper all with jokes.

For more information, CLICK HERE