DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – Five northern B.C. communities receive access to free menstrual products through United Way’s Period Promise campaign.
The hygiene products will be available to residents in five northern communities, including Dawson Creek, until June 30th.
“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 even more difficult,” says a United Way release Friday.
United Way says the campaign will also raise funds for those finding it challenging to purchase products such as tampons.
“No one makes a choice to menstruate, so no one should have to make a choice as to whether or not they can afford to manage it. ” Says Trista Spencer, Executive Director, UWNBC.
“It’s heartbreaking to know that so many go without the necessary products simply due to affordability or accessibility, especially when this is a natural bodily function. It’s time to remove this barrier, normalize the conversation about menstruation, and make period poverty a thing of the past.”
The City of Fort St. John has gradually made menstrual products more accessible to residents since 2019, providing the items for free in public facilities.
Products were also made available through the Period Promise campaign in Prince George, Terrace, Fort St. James, and Quesnel.
Anyone looking to organize their own campaign, or donate funds or products can head to United Way’s website.
