Province announces $260K to expand Red Deer-based Period Promise initiative

“Our government’s investment in Period Promise is an important step in ensuring people can participate in school, work and social events feeling comfortable and supported.”

Chelsea O’Donoghue, CEO, UWCA, says they are eager to work with the province on expanding Period Promise further.

“Data from our current school pilot in four Red Deer schools underlines the need for barrier-free access to pads and tampons, with over 62 per cent of respondents indicating they have left or missed school because period products weren’t available to them,” says O’Donoghue.

“Together, we are mobilizing to make a local impact on reducing vulnerability and isolation caused by period poverty, removing barriers to essential products, supporting gender equity and normalizing periods.”

According to Plan International, 34 per cent of Canadian women and girls have had to regularly or occasionally sacrifice something else within their budget to afford menstrual products.

“We are so thankful to the United Way in Central Alberta and the Government of Alberta for supporting such an important cause,” says Mike Garrow, Principal, Ecole H.J. Cody High School.

“The Period Promise will support all of our students and families by minimizing the barriers associated with the costs of menstrual hygiene products. Our students will no longer have to miss school because they will have access to these products for free. Thank you.”

Furthermore, 63 per cent of women and girls have regularly or occasionally missed an activity because of their period.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Province announces $260K to expand Red Deer-based Period Promise initiative

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