Amidst the rising cost of living, choosing between menstrual products or food is a tough reality for many people in BC 

United Way British Columbia’s 2024 Period Promise campaign presented by Pacific Blue Cross in partnership with CUPE Local 1816 runs May 1 to 31. The campaign strives to make it easier for people who menstruate to get through their periods with dignity.  

“The United Way Period Promise campaign empowers everyone to contribute to the solution,” says Rob Chiarello, SVP, People & Culture at Pacific Blue Cross. “We recognize that access to menstrual products improves health, restores dignity and fosters community engagement. The impact of period poverty on British Columbians motivated our support for this initiative from its inception. Seven years on, we continue to proudly endorse this effort addressing a critical health issue for many in BC. Our support echoes our commitment to building healthy communities and improving health and wellbeing for all British Columbians.” 

Last year’s campaign saw an overwhelming response and was a testament to the generosity of individuals, schools, community organizations, unions and workplaces. When we work together, we can build healthy, caring, and inclusive communities!  

“Supporting the Period Promise last year was an easy, straightforward way to make an impact on this widespread issue” says Sam Cervantes, Senior Manager, Disability Client Relationships and Health and Wellness. “I’m proud that Pacific Blue Cross prioritizes health equity, not only through business-wide initiatives, but by engaging staff at every level with the issues that impact our communities.” 

We invite you to donate products, give financially, or organize your own Period Promise campaign to help us fight period poverty.  

Many British Columbians can’t afford period products 

The cost of living continues to increase and so do the financial pressures for many people in our communities.  

Students, workers, and single parents are especially hard hit by rising costs due to inflation. Many people struggle to buy both period products and food for themselves or their families.  

A recent report by UNICEF stated 44 per cent of Canadian single parents eat less so their kids can eat. They are already faced with difficult choices and if the household has one or more people who menstruate, expenses to cover their basic needs increase substantially.  

The cost of personal care supplies such as tampons and pads has increased by 6.3 per cent according to the Consumer Price Index released by BC Stats in March 2024. Prices of period products are even higher in rural and remote communities.  

According to a research study conducted for United Way BC as part of the Period Promise Final Report, more than 50 per cent of public survey respondents had struggled to purchase menstrual products for themselves at some point.  

Facing the stigma around menstruation  

Menstrual stigma makes it difficult for people who lack access to period products to ask for help.  

Menstruation unfortunately continues to be portrayed as unpleasant and unclean, and many people avoid talking about it openly. 

Due to the persistent stigma, people who menstruate and have limited access to products may choose not to ask for help or don’t know where to find essential period products. 

Public survey respondents are discouraged by the stigma.  

“I’ve always had super heavy periods and really intense cramps. It’s been nearly impossible to find products that can completely prevent leaking and because of the stigma it’s been impossible to feel confident leaving my house when I’m on my period.” 

Period poverty exists largely because menstrual products are expensive and are viewed as a consumer good rather than a necessity for people who menstruate. 

“It’s so frustrating that resources that could possibly help me with this are crazy expensive and it makes it feel like living through your period and being comfortable is somehow a privilege, when it should be a right.” 

Lack of access to period products negatively affects quality of life  

Due to lack of access to period products, people will often stay home and bleed in private meaning they miss school, work, community, or social events.  

This translates to missed opportunities to learn, earn an income, contribute to their community, or enjoy a healthy social life for no reason other than an uncontrollable function of their body. 

According to the Period Promise research, if people who experience period poverty do need to leave their homes and don’t have access to proper products, they will often use unsanitary alternatives, including rags, old clothing, paper towel, or newspaper. Some use disposable products for longer than recommended which puts their physical health at risk. 

Indigenous Peoples and people living with disabilities experience these negative impacts more than other groups. These groups are much more likely to miss out on these aspects of life and are more likely to struggle to buy menstrual products for themselves or their dependants.  

Help us tackle period poverty 

United Way BC is committed to improving access, and ultimately quality of life, for people who menstruate.  

United Way BC’s Period Promise Campaign is presented by Pacific Blue Cross in partnership with CUPE 1816 and runs May 1 to 31. 

We invite all British Columbians to get involved in the 2024 campaign. You can help tackle period poverty by: 

• Organizing a Period Promise campaign to collect menstrual products in your community, school, workplace, or union. 
• Participating in your organization’s Period Promise campaign. 
• Making a monetary donation. 
• Volunteering to help us get period products to those in need.  

This year, we hope to collect more than 500,000 period products—or their equivalent in financial donations—to distribute to local communities across the province.  

Collection organizers will accept new and unopened reusable (menstrual cups, cloth pads, and period underwear) or disposable products (pads and tampons). 

After the campaign, donations are distributed to community partners that support individuals most in need.   

Together, we can tackle period poverty! 

Learn more: uwbc.ca/periodpromise  

Access the 2024 Period Promise Campaign Toolkit here.