By Sanitation First 

Hello. This Leisure Letter is a bit different. We’ve given this Sunday’s slot to the ladies behind Sanitation First, to help spread the word about their mega charity mission. So allow us to present Miranda di Carcaci of the CODE RED campaign to tell you more.

CODE RED!

This week, we are coming into your bedrooms and breakfast tables with something special. In honour of Menstrual Hygiene Day on the 28th May, we’ve partnered with D&D to turn the Leisure Letter into a Period Periodical. It isn’t as easy reading, but pull up your duvet, drop the toast and put on your reading glasses (whichever apply!) because this is urgent. 

Since 2010, Sanitation First, has been working in Indian schools educating kids and teachers around periods, giving out eco ‘SafePads’ made with antimicrobial material, and building toilet facilities to ensure privacy and dignity for students. This is an uphill battle as currently in India 1 in 5 menstruating children drop out of school when they start their periods. That is over 10 million every year (for perspective, London has a population of 8.9 million). Unfortunately, with India’s surging COVID-19 crisis, and the knock on effect on people’s lives, especially limited access to education and sanitation options, this number is set to rise. 

So we are taking a stand. 

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we are going to paint the town red with CODE RED, a campaign raising funds for Sanitation First, so they can keep giving out SafePads to those of all ages who suddenly find themselves without, and continue their work in schools. Just £30 is enough to give a student the education and pads they need to finish primary and secondary school. 

CODE RED has got creative in how you can learn more about the issue and show your support this MHD, from your favourite workout to red hot brand collabs (if we do say so ourselves…).That said, if you are a purist you can head straight over to their donation page here. 

Here goes…

Face inequality; Sanitation First have reworked Barabra Kruger’s iconic feminist artwork Untitled (Your Body is a Battleground) into an IG stories filter. Post a story with the filter, tag five friends and donate (£5 or more if you are feeling generous…).

Dye for Equality (pardon the pun) with Cara Marie Piazza X D&D on Sunday 30th May 1-2pm EST: join a natural dyeing class (time to jazz up those ‘basics’ that are beginning to feel a bit meh) and talk all things period with a panel of special guests.

If nothing gets your heart racing like the bang of an auction hammer (or whatever sound eBay makes…) put a bid on sell out ceramicist Alma Berrow’s special edition period piece.

Alternately, embellish your ears with Anissa Kermiche’s sensational ‘Lady Days’ gold drop earrings, created especially for CODE RED and available exclusively at MATCHES FASHION. 

If you are feeling the May chill (same) why not enter a £5 raffle for the chance to win Wool and the Gang’s snuggly best seller. Or even snugglier, kick back and watch Pandora’s Box, a film about global menstrual inequality: re-runs of your fav series can wait.  

More of a sporty spice? Put the active in activist and find your Yoga Flow with LA icon Lauren Eckstrom; or join our CODE RED RUN with OneTrack, a virtual running club with real people.

Finally - our friends at D&D have set up #CODERED. Put this in at the checkout on any boxers or knickers and D&D will give all the money to Sanitation First. The code will be live for 10 days from NOW.

Now, pick up that toast again, take a bite, and head over to Sanitation First. 

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