Ok, I’ll be “Tampon Tommy”
Tommy (BACK) Davie (LEFT) and Millie (RIGHT) at TRUKKER’s
Two years ago, the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association launched a grassroots initiative with a clear and practical goal: to address period poverty in Medicine Hat by improving access to essential hygiene products. What began as a small, community-led effort has since developed into a growing network built on consistency, trust, and local engagement.
From my perspective, the strength of the project has always been its simplicity. There was no large funding announcement, no corporate campaign, and no expectation of recognition. Instead, it started with people identifying a real and ongoing need, then choosing to respond in a direct and sustainable way.
Period poverty remains an under-discussed issue, but its impacts are significant. Limited access to menstrual products can lead to missed school days, lost work opportunities, and added financial stress. These are not isolated challenges, and they affect members of the community in ways that are often invisible to those not experiencing them.
Today marked another step forward for the initiative. Representatives from the association met at Trukkers to establish a new drop-off location, further expanding access across the city. Each additional site strengthens the network, making it easier for individuals to obtain what they need without barriers, questions, or stigma.
What continues to stand out is how this effort reflects the values often found within the skateboarding community itself. There is a strong culture of mutual support, independence, and looking out for others. This initiative is a natural extension of that mindset, translating it into something tangible and impactful.
The model is straightforward. Community members donate products. Local businesses provide space. Individuals in need are able to access those products freely and with dignity. There is no overcomplication, only a system that works because people continue to show up and contribute.
As the initiative grows, so does awareness. Conversations around menstrual health are becoming more normalized, and with that comes a greater understanding that access to basic hygiene products should never be considered a privilege.
There is still work to be done, but the progress is steady. Each new drop-off location represents another layer of support within the community and a continued commitment to addressing a very real issue in a practical way.
And, in the spirit of reclaiming what was once intended as criticism, part of that support comes from yours truly.
Tampon Tommy.
