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Too many people don’t have access to vital menstrual products and are missing out on work, school and social events because they have their period.
Half of all people who menstruate say that they have struggled to purchase products at some time in their life, and more than a quarter has gone through a period without having any products to support them.
Over the past five years, United Way British Columbia (UWBC) has distributed more than 1.5 million menstrual products to dozens of community organizations across the province through their Period Promise campaign.
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.
“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,” said BGC Kamloops.
“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.”
From May 6 to 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.
In Kelowna, you can donate products at the UWBC Kelowna office at 202-1456, St. Paul St. on Thursday, June 2 from 9 am to 1 pm.
Learn more about the Period Promise campaign here, or to donate online click here.
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