Every year thousands of people in Niagara are forced to choose between safe menstrual products and other basic necessities. The United Way Niagara Period Promise campaign aims to change that. Today, representatives from United Way Niagara and Meridian Credit Union joined local dignitaries to officially kick-off the 2023 campaign at the Stevensville Meridian Credit Union location. Together, the group made the first donation of period products to the campaign.
“Inaccessible menstrual products can translate to isolation, mental stress, sick days and missed opportunities for people facing the pressures of poverty,” says United Way Niagara CEO Frances Hallworth. “With such strong community support on board this year, I hope we can strive for the best Period Promise campaign yet.”
“Meridian is committed to help provide all people and communities access to the resources they need, giving them the opportunity to thrive, participate and flourish,” said Shelley Dix, District Vice President, Meridian. “We are honoured to be working with United Way in this community-focused partnership and hope we can help make a meaningful impact in Niagara.”
Meridian has been a dedicated community builder in Niagara for many years, supporting United Way Niagara for several decades. Providing local support is a foundational part of Meridian’s identity.
Remarks were also provided by local political representatives in support of the campaign, including:
• Shannon Mitchell, Constituency Assistant, Wayne Gates MPP
• Sharmila Setaram, Welland City Councillor
• Mona Patel, Niagara Falls City Councillor
The 2023 campaign runs from May 1 to June 3. You can find a list of all the community drop-off locations throughout the campaign and more information about the initiative on the Period Promise website www.periodpromiseniagara.com
About United Way: United Way works to tackle some of the biggest social issues in Niagara; investing in solutions to poverty, food security, mental illness, homelessness, domestic violence and social isolation. United Way supported more than 125 programs across the region last year, serving over 122,000 people when they needed it the most.
