Periods are a fact of life.

But if you're living in poverty, or vulnerable in other ways, access to necessary menstrual products can be challenging. And COVID has made it more difficult.

Too many single mothers have to choose between buying tampons or food for their families.

Too many trans and non-binary kids are scrambling silently in washrooms, putting together makeshift pads that don't suit their needs.

Too many people miss school or leave work because they can't afford to buy the products they need, and they are not freely available where they are needed.

And too many people face the additional challenges of homelessness, living with a disability, or just the stigma around having a period at all. People are embarrassed to ask for help.

The Period Promise campaign by United Way mobilizes everybody to be a part of the solution. Together, we can tackle period poverty and make our community more accessible for everybody.

When people have access to menstrual products, it improves their health and well-being, and makes it easier for them to stay engaged in their community.

The Period Promise campaign takes place from May 1 to May 28, 2021. You can give financially through JustGiving, or donate period products. You can organize a Period Promise campaign to collect donations in your community, in your school, in your workplace or union, or even a socially-distanced drop off with your neighbours. We're committed to making it easier for everybody to access the product they need, when they need it. Every donation of tampons, pads, cups, or underwear raises awareness, reduces stigma, and tackles the vulnerability and isolation caused by period poverty. And financial contributions help us purchase product so that we can get product to vulnerable people in our community who need it.

Joining United Way's Period Promise campaign is one way you can help build healthier, more caring and inclusive communities. Together, we can make sure that everybody can live with the dignity that we all deserve. This is local love in action.

If you'd like to learn more on how to set up a tampon & pad collection drive in your workplace, school or community, visit www.caunitedway.ca/periodpromise for more details.