The United Way BC's annual Period Promise Campaign is underway until May 31, with over 500,000 products collected and distributed to those in need in 2024. (UWBC)

By Jordan Davidson

period promise

‘Missed opportunities:’ Period Promise campaign aims to end period poverty

May 16, 2025 | 4:30 PM

NANAIMO — United Way BC (UWBC) is on a mission to help eliminate period poverty province-wide, ensuring those who menstruate have what they need, when they need it.

The social agency’s Period Promise campaign, in its ninth year, collects and distributes donated menstrual products to local agencies, which also helps break down stigma or embarrassment felt by those lacking the necessities.

Kristina Gebhard with UWBC said last year alone, they collected over half a million menstrual products for British Columbians, with about 20,000 products distributed across the mid-Island.

“We know that half of everyone who menstruates in BC has struggled to buy products at some point in their life…often it translates to missed opportunities to learn, to earn an income, to contribute to their community, or even just to enjoy a healthy social life, for no other reason than an uncontrollable function of their body.”

UWBC’s Period Promise Campaign runs through May 31, with drop-off locations in Nanaimo, including all Vancouver Island Regional Library locations, Planet Fitness, and the United Way BC Central and Northern Vancouver Island Region office at 327 Prideaux St.

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Gebhard said any person or business can collect menstrual products, which are then distributed to around ten different local agencies.

She said one in four people who menstruate are regularly forced to choose between menstrual products and other basic necessities is a “hidden reality” in Canada, with stigma and shame preventing people from asking for help.

“We also have many organizations who commit to what we call our UWBC period promise policy agreement, and that means offering free menstrual products to their employees, clients and visitors. We work with businesses, unions and agencies to collect and distribute as much product as possible for those in need throughout the communities that we serve.”

She said they frequently hear from their partner agencies how menstrual products are some of the most requested items, relying on community donations to fill significant needs.

Since the campaign first began in 2017, Gebhard estimates over three million products have been handed out.

More information, including how to donate products or money, can be found here at the United Way BC’s website.

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