Hygiene Bank campaigners in Harborough are calling for men’s toiletries to be donated ahead of Father’s Day

Hygiene Bank campaigners in Market Harborough are calling for men’s toiletries to be donated ahead of Father’s Day on June 20.

The town’s branch of the Hygiene Bank is launching the mission after being set up in June 2020.

Volunteers work with partner organisations across the Harborough district to support local people living in hygiene poverty.

“Our Mother’s Day campaign was a great success. We are hoping to repeat that by collecting men’s and unisex gift sets, deodorant, moisturisers, razors, shower gel, shampoo, aftershave and other products so we can provide dads with a well-deserved treat,” said Hygiene Bank Market Harborough founder Judy Rowley.

“We are lucky to have the continued support of the community in our efforts to help alleviate hygiene poverty in our area.

“But we do tend to receive more women’s products than men’s.

“So we would love to be able to boost our stock of men’s products ahead of Father’s Day.”

Donations of products, which must be unused and unopened, can be left at the designated donation points in the following locations:

· Boots, St Mary’s Place, Market Harborough

· Sainsbury’s St Mary’s Place, Market Harborough

· Co-op, Coventry Road, Market Harborough

· Welland Park Academy, Market Harborough

· Great Bowden Academy, Great Bowden

· Co-op, Kibworth

· Co-op, Fleckney (village aid box)

You can also donate money via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thehygienebankharboroughThe Hygiene Bank was founded in 2018 in response to the UK’s hidden hygiene poverty crisis.

The organisation now boasts branches all over the country.

They work with local charity partners to ensure all donations remain local.

“We know that hygiene essentials such as deodorant and personal care products like razors become out of reach before food does when people find themselves in financial difficulties.

“So people will stop buying these kinds of products long before they go to a food bank,” said Judy.

“We also know that people can experience feelings of shame when they are unable to buy shampoo because they need to prioritise food. “For this reason, donations to The Hygiene Bank are distributed by organisations who people already trust to offer help in a way that avoids the stigma that can be associated with hygiene poverty.”

Please note that The Hygiene Bank Market Harborough do not require toothbrushes or bars of soap at the moment.

To find out more about the Hygiene Bank, email [email protected] or via social media @thbharborough