Rose Wilton Launches Ontario’s First Hygiene Poverty Centre

UPDATE: In an urgent move to address hygiene poverty, Rose Wilton has officially launched Ontario’s first dedicated centre, The Rose Quest Hygiene Centre, located in Port Hope. Announced today, this groundbreaking facility aims to provide essential hygiene products to those living in poverty across Northumberland County, dramatically increasing support for individuals and families in need.

The Rose Quest Hygiene Centre is set to distribute over 25,000 hygiene items annually, reaching more than 2,000 people through schools, shelters, food banks, and frontline agencies. Wilton, who founded The Rose Project in 2014, emphasized the growing need for such resources. “It is a long-time dream in the making,” she stated, highlighting the importance of restoring dignity for those struggling with poverty.

The centre will operate from a centralized warehouse, featuring a community classroom and expanded outreach programs. As part of its phased rollout, initial efforts will include serving seniors, Indigenous communities, and newcomers. Wilton’s vision is clear: “We won’t have to say, ‘I’m sorry I can’t help’ to anyone,” she said, underscoring the center’s role in bridging the gap between basic needs and dignity.

Hygiene poverty, as Wilton explained, goes beyond just lacking soap or toothpaste; it affects education, employment, and self-respect. The Rose Quest has set a fundraising goal of $200,000 to cover facility costs, hygiene products, and outreach initiatives. Early commitments have been secured, but the organization calls on community members, businesses, and foundations to join as founding supporters.

Caleb Carisse, chair of The Rose Quest board, stated, “After more than a decade of grassroots service, we are ready to scale our impact.” The new centre is expected to double the distribution of hygiene products from 12,000 to over 25,000, significantly enhancing the assistance provided to those in need in Northumberland County.

As the centre prepares for its full operational launch, Wilton and her team remain committed to ensuring that basic hygiene is accessible to all. For more information, to donate, or to subscribe for updates, visit therosequest.ca. The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated—helping those in need is more crucial now than ever.