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She is inspired by her mother, who handcrafted pads for her to wear to school so that she could have equal education and escape the poverty that she was exposed to in her home…..
To establish menstrual equity in Canada and developing countries.
To accelerate menstrual equity through access, empowerment & education that combat stigma and support rights.
Accelerate equitable access to period products for people in need.
Combat stigma and raise awareness of menstrual health and rights.
Enable individuals with dignity, safety and possibility by supporting their health, human rights & well-being.
Addressing the unmet menstrual needs of vulnerable individuals to support their health & well-being.
Fostering community connection and support inclusive of race, culture, and religion; building a healthy community
Dismantling the social contributors to period poverty, including menstrual stigma and shame.
We champion UN goals by empowering girls to break poverty cycles, promoting well-being, encouraging sustainability, and advancing gender equality.
She became an adoption social worker at the Thomas Coram Foundation for Children, before immigrating to Canada in 1989. After relocating to Canada, she was employed by the Catholic Children's Aid Society, where she devoted her time and expertise as a beloved member of the organization for twenty-eight (28) years before retiring in 2017.
As a social worker for over two (2) decades, she has a vast range of experience with families dealing with poverty and victims of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and many other hardships. When asked about her passion and inspiration, she recalls that her ability to enhance families' lives and being of service to children in need were her greatest motivators. Elaine joined forces with HAGO as a volunteer in 2021. Her intimate understanding of the impact of poverty on the mental and physical health of individuals and families motivates her to work with HAGO to
address these needs.
With a strong background in cross-sector partnerships, advocacy, and capacity-building, Anne has co-founded Local Buttons, an ethical fashion enterprise supporting artisans in Haiti, and managed Toronto Metropolitan University’s SocialVentures Zone, where she developed structured programming for social entrepreneurs. She holds a BA in International Development and an MSc in Environmental Applied Science, bringing a strategic, equity-driven approach to her work.
Beyond her professional career, Laurence is dedicated to advancing the causes she cares about, particularly empowering women and young girls to thrive. She has been actively involved in mentorship and community initiatives, volunteering with organizations such as Girls E-Mentorship (GEM), Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), and YWCA. Born in Belgium and raised in Canada, she has also lived in the UK and the US, giving her a global perspective that informs both her work and advocacy. She is fluent in English and French and currently lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters, aged 11 and 8, balancing a fulfilling career with family life and her commitment to making a difference.
We’ve built relationships with many who have struggled to afford period products, who’ve been excluded from basic activities, and who’ve faced shame from their families. Help A Girl Out is a resource and community for them. Our team, donors, volunteers, packers, sorters, sewers, and drivers all shape the interconnected network of our organization.
We’ve built relationships with many who have struggled to afford period products, who’ve been excluded from basic activities, and who’ve faced shame from their families. Help A Girl Out is a resource and community for them. Our team, donors, volunteers, packers, sorters, sewers, and drivers all shape the interconnected network of our organization.
We lead from experience and with care. We have faced period poverty ourselves, and we have heard the stories from the perspective of individuals from various religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We are a people-first organization— we care deeply for those we support.