Donors give thousands of period products through United Way Period Promise campaign

United Way British Columbia’s Period Promise campaign saw donors give nearly 3,000 period products in the central and northern Vancouver Island region this year.

The campaign came on the heels of stunning United Way British Columbia research, including a survey which showed that just over half of respondents had struggled to purchase period products for themselves.

Providing the most comprehensive image of period poverty in B.C., or in any jurisdiction in Canada, this United Way report shows that period poverty in common in many communities.

Lack of access to period products leads to unsafe health practices, self-isolation and takes a heavy mental toll.

But the report, funded by the Government of B.C., also shows that providing menstrual products to community organizations is an effective way to provide free access to those in need.

And this is exactly what donors have allowed us to do.

More than 1,300 pads, 1,200 tampons and more than 400 liners will be provided to organizations in contributing communities, including Campbell River, Ladysmith, Hornby and Denman islands, Nanaimo and Port Alberni.

And special thanks goes out to Megan with 93.3 The PEAK who organized a campaign drive that saw more than 1,000 menstrual product donations!

These are earmarked for the Alberni Clayoquot Métis Society.

These donations will make an enormous difference in the lives of menstruating people, as they have told us when responding to our survey.

This is the testimony of one survey respondent:

“When I was 13 I lived in a foster home where the foster dad rationed tampons. Each cycle he would give me four tampons. If I asked for more he would yell at me. That was the first time I ever stole from a store. I had started skipping school because my periods were so heavy I would leak and I was embarrassed. If products were free somewhere it would have helped so much.”

This is the difference you make by donating these items.

Thank you for your generous support!