United Way’s Period Promise campaign works to eradicate period poverty in Niagara. Choosing between period products and basic necessities is normal for thousands in our community who don’t have the financial means for safe period products. Inaccessible menstrual products translate to isolation, mental duress, sick days and missed opportunities. United Way is always looking to address areas of growing need in Niagara, and each year more individuals continue to be affected by period poverty, like Casey.

“When I would get my period, I was forced to stay home from school. Each month I fell behind my peers even more. People thought I was stupid for scoring low on tests because I missed entire topics. Over time I became more isolated and my mental health suffered.” Casey, a Period Promise beneficiary.

United Way makes period products accessible so community members don’t have to face the pressures that come with the lack of safe products. The goal this year is to collect 10,000 period product packages to benefit our community. Physical and financial donations are collected and provided to community partners, and local agencies across the Niagara region.

In 2021, United Way Niagara distributed over 380,000 individual period products through 18 community partners, helping thousands through their time of need.

“Last year’s campaign wouldn’t have been a success without all of our donors. Thank you for your support in changing the lives of thousands. Every contribution makes a difference, please join us in this year’s Period Promise campaign, together we can continue to make a change.” – Frances Hallworth, CEO, United Way Niagara.

Unfortunately, 1 in 3 people under 25 who menstruate struggle to afford appropriate menstrual products. Period poverty leaves people disadvantaged because of their biological makeup, causing isolation, health risks and further barriers. Nobody should have to decide between putting food on the table or purchasing menstrual products. But, people are forced to choose between basic necessities, and the effects can be detrimental for them, and their dependents.

“This campaign means the world to me. Thank you for bringing awareness to this cause. Thank you for helping. Thank you for those that are giving their time to make this happen. Thank you

from the girl that doesn’t have to have my experience because of you.” – Helen, Period Promise Donor

Periods are a fact of life, yet menstrual products are treated as a luxury rather than a right. Period poverty is occurring right here in our community. Period Promise is more than a product drive. United Way is advocating for those affected by period poverty by asking business and facility owners to sign the Period Promise Policy committing to provide free menstrual hygiene products to anyone accessing their facilities.

How to get involved: Make an impact by donating to the Period Promise campaign through monetary or physical donations, anytime between April 29th- May 27th. It can be as simple as picking up an extra package of products on your trip to the supermarket or pharmacy, or going online to make a financial gift. Empower your family and friends to help tackle period poverty with you. Every donation, package and dollar count. Join United Way in making a difference. Anyone can participate in the campaign and make a difference in the life of someone who needs it. A list of ‘shop & drop’ participating community groups, grocery stores and pharmacies can be found on the website.

Learn more by visiting our website at http://www.periodpromiseniagara.com

The campaign wraps up on May 27th with a Community Drive-thru Collection from 12:00pm to 7:00pm in the parking lot of the Seaway Mall (near Harvey’s off Niagara Street).