Bleed the North (formerly PERIOD Ontario) was founded by Isabela Rittinger in March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 lockdown. Due to the stockpiling of period products in grocery stores during that time, the widespread effects of period poverty for individuals across Ontario was exacerbated by pandemic induced panic-buying, which further motivated Isabela to push for better access to period products.

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With newfound spare time but longtime passion for menstrual equity, Isabela got to work in connecting with other like-minded individuals to work on this project. They quickly sensed interest and motivation from the community to help end period poverty and period stigma, leading the organization to expand from Durham Region to Ontario in May.

 

Since then, the Bleed the North team has been working tirelessly to provide period products to shelters across the province, advocating for menstrual legislation in Ontario parliament and developing virtual educational campaigns.