A period pain simulator and matching anonymous donor mark the highlights of the United Way South Vancouver Island campaign to ensure everyone who menstruates can go to work or school, access services and stay connected to their community.
United Way BC data shows 50 per cent of people who menstruate struggle with access to products at some point in their lives. The consequences could mean missing a job interview, class, or important community event, limiting access to opportunities and overall quality of life and health.
Society should consider tampons, pads, or liners as essential as toilet paper, says Erika Stenson, executive director for south Island.
“Period poverty, which is what we call the lack of access to menstrual products, is more than an inconvenience, it is isolating and can stop people from reaching their full potential,” Stenson said in a news release.
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There are a few ways to immediately tackle the issue, including donating cash to the campaign. Local charity Soap for Hope will purchase additional menstrual products and will distribute them through a network of local social service agencies. A local anonymous supporter will match any cash donations up to $10,000, essentially doubling donors’ impact.
Donors who want to take advantage of this match donation can visit uwsvi.ca/periodpromise.
Another way is to donate products as UWSVI collects donated menstrual products on May 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saanich location of Save-on-Foods. Somedays, the B.C.-based maker of period pain relief products and a campaign sponsor – will also be on site with a period pain simulator. The public is welcome to drop in with their donations and learn what the body experiences during a period with the simulator.
Period Promise is an initiative originally started by United Way BC. From 2017 to 2022, it distributed more than 1.5 million menstrual products into communities across the province.
Visit uwsvi.ca/periodpromise for more information about the campaign.
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