Juanita – helps Rebecca on her mission to end period poverty!
How did you become interested in helping in your community?
I have always had a soft heart towards women in low economic areas. Growing up, I saw a lot of poverty and the women always put themselves last. So as a adult I try to make their lives a bit easier. And as a woman who had issues with my periods, I never want a woman to not have access to basic sanitary products or soap.
What would you like to see happen in the future for your community?
Free sanitary products for anyone who needs it. Free sanitary products in all public toilets.
What are your current interests, what do you do in your spare time and what are your dreams for the future?
I love to do crafts. My dream is to one day have my crafts pay for all my charity work.
Thanks Juanita!
Just Zilch Founder & General Manager, Rebecca Culver
Rebecca grew up in Upper Hutt and moved to Palmerston North to complete a Bachelor of Communications at Massey University. After a year in the students association, MUSA, Rebecca moved to Wellington to work as a Learning and Development Consultant. After being made redundant Rebecca tried teacher’s college and when that didn’t work out she moved back to Palmerston North. Rebecca volunteered for a couple of organisations while looking for employment and it was during this time that the idea for Just Zilch came up. After nine months of planning with a small team Rebecca found herself to be the founder of this now successful organisation.
We asked Rebecca a few questions about her life:
How did you become interested in helping in your community? I feel like I fell into community work. I started volunteering while I was looking for work. I started in a local TV-station and then for a community meal service. Sometimes, after the meal, they would give out bread and there was left overs. I got permission and drove around town to giving out the left-overs. When I heard about the concept of a free store I figured it was like what I’m doing but from fixed place. What was born we call Just Zilch – Food Rescue | Free Store (check out www.justzilch.org.nz). We have been operating for over 6 years and last year, as part of what we do, we started ‘Go with the Flow Manawatu’ to give menstrual products to those in need. As part of that we raised some funds to get some menstrual cups. They were a hit and so many people were able to have free periods management! Now MyCup NZ helps us out with menstrual cups and we are able to help so many more people! We also get donations from ‘Days for Girls’ who make reusable pads, so there is something for everyone.
What would you like to see happen in the future for your community? Everyone deserves a chance and cost shouldn’t be a barrier to making things happen, especially when it comes to women’s menstrual needs. Seeing an end to period poverty is a priority and something everyone can help with.
What are your current interests, what do you do in your spare time and what are your dreams for the future? I enjoy a good sleep in, hanging out with my flatmate and family. Recently I took up stand up comedy for a bit of a laugh, so I’m looking to progress that in the next year as well.
Thanks Rebecca!