United Way will collect menstrual products at its office in Nanaimo next week, as part of its Period Promise campaign.
The collection drive occurs on Tuesday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the central and northern Vancouver Island office at 9-327 Prideaux St. in Nanaimo. The goal is to collect 8,000 items, a press release noted.
Residents are asked to drop off new menstrual products – tampons, pads, cups and period underwear – for an initiative to raise awareness about, and end, period poverty. All donated items will be counted, sorted and distributed to Nanaimo-area agencies that support vulnerable people, noted the press release.
Raising awareness through Period Promise is vital to numerous people in the community, according to Julie Rushton, United Way B.C. community impact manager.
“Our campaign works to ensure communities from across our region receive period product and grants to purchase further supplies,” Rushton said in the press release. “Rural communities … often have limited access to period products and the [initiative] supports inclusive access to these essential goods. Giving to this campaign means we are able to increase access across our region and reduce the costs of period products for everyone.”
Organizations that have benefited from past Period Promise campaigns include the Forward House Community Society, Wisteria Community Association, Sage Haven and Ladysmith Family and Friends.
For more information, go to www.uwbc.ca/program/period-promise/.
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karl.yu@nanaimobulletin.com
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