By rdnewsNOW Staff

Addressing A Community Need

United Way set to launch Period Promise campaign

Apr 30, 2021 | 2:15 PM

After first announcing a pilot project with Red Deer Public Schools to help address ‘period poverty’ in our community, the United Way of Central Alberta is set to launch its second initiative in that regard, its Period Promise campaign.

United Way officials acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought job losses, which means more people are struggling to purchase the menstrual products they need. United Way’s 2021 Period Promise campaign, presented with local partners Soroptimist International of Central Alberta, Grand & Toy, Tampax and Always, offers a solution.

Central Albertans can tackle period poverty from May 1 to May 28 by giving financially, donating period products, or organizing their own Period Promise campaign. United Way calls on local residents to collect menstrual products – or financial donations – so more product can be distributed to community organizations.

“Joining United Way’s Period Promise campaign is one way you can help build healthier, more caring and inclusive communities where nobody has to choose between buying food or products that make it possible to stay connected to their community,” says Brett Speight, United Way Central Alberta CEO. “Periods are a fact of life, but access to necessary menstrual products can be challenging. United Way has done the research in the Period Promise Final Report.”

According to United Way officials, one report respondent said, “When I can’t afford enough menstrual products, I can’t go out. I was unable to go to the food bank or to a casual job (I’m disabled) because I bled for two weeks and didn’t have enough pads.”

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Furthermore, officials note that United Way’s community partners have indicated an increase in demand on their services because of COVID and some indicated an increased demand for free menstrual products at their organization.

United Way’s Period Promise campaign aims to fill that gap by collecting products that help strengthen vital connections in the community.

Participants can drop off or send donations to the United Way Central Alberta office during business hours, #100 4828 53 Street in Red Deer. A special drop-off day will be set up as well, with a date to be announced.

For additional information, visit caunitedway.ca/periodpromise.