The Rose Quest is moving beyond distributing personal-hygiene supplies to setting up the province's first Hygiene Centre
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By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Northumberland County
Operating quietly since 2014 to supply personal-hygiene items to those in need – through direct outreach as well as through social-service agencies – the Port Hope-based Rose Quest is taking another step forward by launching Ontario's first Hygiene Centre.
The press release said this facility is the first of its kid in Ontario, “ dedicated to tackling hygiene poverty and restoring dignity for individuals and families across Northumberland County.
The Hygiene Centre will feature a centralized distribution warehouse, a community classroom and expanded outreach programs. Once it is fully operational, the centre will provide more than 25,000 hygiene items to more than 2,000 people, reaching schools, shelters, food banks and front-line agencies.
Explaining the term “hygiene poverty,” founder Rose Wilton said it is about more than simply being without soap or toothpaste.
“It is a barrier to education, employment and dignity,” Wilton stated.
“This Centre is a bold step forward, ensuring no one has to choose between food and basic hygiene.”
The project will unfold in phases – establishing a central warehouse space for receiving, sorting and distributing hygiene products, expanding programs, and opening a community classroom, as well as launching anew initiatives for seniors, Indigenous communities and newcomers.
“After more than a decade of grass-roots service, we are ready to scale our impact,” Rose Quest Board Chair Caleb Carisse said in the announcement,.
“The Hygiene Centre will allow us to serve more people, respond to community needs in real time, and create a lasting foundation for health and dignity.”
The Rose Quest has set a goal of $200,000 to fund facility costs, hygiene-product purchases, program staffing and outreach initiatives. Early commitments have already been secured, and the organization is appealing to community members, businesses and foundations to join as founding supporters (naming opportunities are available).
To support this initiative, or for more information (including campaign updates), visit www.therosequest.ca
