Period Promise campaign
United Way British Columbia’s Period Promise campaign aims to collect 700,000 menstrual products to fight period poverty
Too many people don’t have access to menstrual products and are missing out on work, school, and social events because they have their period. Not having the menstrual products they need limits their life and can make staying connected to community difficult. You can help change that!
United Way’s Period Promise campaign gives everyone the opportunity to be a part of a solution. Organizations like the Campaign’s presenting sponsor, Pacific Blue Cross, have supported Period Promise here in BC since its inception.
“Supporting United Way’s Period Promise campaign is an easy way to help build healthy communities and improve the wellbeing of British Columbians,” says Rob Chiarello, Senior Vice President of People Culture at Pacific Blue Cross. “Any donation, big or small, will make a world of difference to someone in need. We encourage all organizations to get behind Period Promise by running a collection campaign in their workplace this May.”
From May 6 – June 7, UWBC is calling on BC residents to help set a new collection record of over 700,000 menstrual products – or their equivalent in financial donations – to help get menstrual products to the people who need them across the province.
Lack of menstrual products is a common issue
We’ve done the research. Half of everyone who menstruates in BC – women, girls, non-binary people and trans folx – have struggled to buy product at some point in their life. More than a quarter have gone through a period without having menstrual products at all.
“Youth (aged) 11-24 access feminine hygiene products (here) every week for themselves and their families. We get continuous feedback about how helpful it is. Many of our youth have shared that being able to access things like name-brand tampons and pads is a luxury. Trans youth, who don’t feel comfortable sharing their menstrual needs with their caregivers/guardians like foster parents or group home staff, have shared that this gives them the opportunity to access products discreetly and comfortably.” — BGC Kamloops (formerly Boys & Girls Club of Kamloops)
Over 95% of local community-serving organizations report that they are asked by their clientele if they can provide free menstrual products or know where any can be found; and for those that do provide the products, at least 80% of them depend on donations from the public through campaigns like Period Promise.
With the help of donors and partnering organizations, we’ve distributed more than 1.5 million menstrual products to dozens of community organizations across the province over the past 5 years, making an incredible difference in the lives of people who don’t have access to the products they need every month.
Get Involved
With your help, UWBC’s Period Promise aims to provide menstrual products to anyone who needs them.
This May and June, together, let’s help alleviate period poverty and collect 700,000 menstrual products or their financial equivalent for those who need them.
You can give financially, donate menstrual products, or even organize a Period Promise campaign to collect donations in your local community, school, workplace, or union. Consider a socially-distanced drop-off with your neighbours!
Together, we can tackle period poverty and level the playing field for all.
Learn more: www.uwbc.ca/periodpromise
Access the 2022 Period Promise Campaign Toolkit: Click here.