Handwashing has taken on increased importance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thursday marks Global Handwashing Day, and Soap for Hope Canada is reminding Canadians about handwashing’s importance as flu season gets underway.
“Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly is always the first defence against the spread of germs, but especially so during a pandemic and flu season,” the group said in a statement.
“Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because people frequently touch their eyes, nose and mouth without even realizing it.”
Since 2015, Soap For Hope has repurposed hygiene products such as soap and shampoo, as well as linens collected from 75 hotels in Alberta and B.C. They then reprocess those items for reuse in nearly 300 urban community facilities.
Last year, Soap for Hope processed more than 52,306 kilograms of products and oversaw the distribution of more than one million hygiene items to individuals who needed them.