Town centre firm becomes sanitary donation point

The Yorkshire Building Society, on Moorgate Street, has become an official donation station for The Red Box Project, a charity which provides free sanitary products to schools.

Contributions towards the sanitary product collection can be made up until Friday, September 7 at the branch, which is opposite the town hall.

Mark Ferris, from the company, said: “It's shameful that young women are missing out on their education because of period poverty and we’re determined to do what we can as a community to solve this problem. Sanitary products are not a luxury that should only be available to those who can afford them — they’re a necessity. So, we’re encouraging people to give what they can to help such a worthy cause.

“At Yorkshire Building Society, we passionately believe in supporting young people in need either through collections like this for The Red Box Project or through our financial education programme, Money Minds and our partnership with End Youth Homelessness.” 

The Red Box Project was founded in March 2017 and now has over 740 red boxes in schools and education centres up and down the UK as well as three in the USA and one in Canada. 

Liesl Rose, co-founder of the Red Box Project said: “Research has found that at some point one in ten young women have been unable to afford sanitary products, and one in seven has been forced to borrow money just so they can buy the most basic items. This is unacceptable and should not happen in 2018.

“We’re delighted that Yorkshire Building Society in Rotherham has joined The Red Box Project’s fight to ensure that young women can get through their periods with the dignity they deserve. No-one should have to miss out on their education or anything else simply because they have their period.” 

The branch is open for donations Mondays to Fridays, 9am until 5pm, Wednesdays, 9.30am until 5pm, and from 9am until noon on Saturdays.

For more information visit www.redboxproject.org