United Way BC wants to make menstrual products as accessible as toilet paper

Provincially, more than 120 agencies requested over 2.3 million period products in 2025.

Donations can be dropped off at their Nanaimo office at #9-327 Prideaux St., open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., from May 25 to 28.

Monetary donations can be made here on their website, with donation matched by Pacific Blue Cross, up to $25,000.

UWBC’s 2026 Period Promise campaign is in partnership with Pacific Blue Cross and CUPE Local 1816. (Image Credit: Submitted/UWBC on Facebook)

“Ideally, we would have people in their workplaces organize a collection campaign, and then we would match them with an agency in your area where you could deliver it so you can see who you’re helping.”

Mayhew said in the general population, one in six people who menstruate have gone without period products at some point in their lives.

It’s especially disruptive for lower-income households, where it’s one in four, with menstrual supplies costing anywhere from $80 to $100 a month.

“This is impacting the productivity of folks in the workplace, it’s impacting their earning potential cause most of these people are in jobs where if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. They don’t necessarily have a lot of sick time or personal time they could take for this, and it impacts people’s education as well.”

Mayhew said they’ve also heard a need for reusable products such as period underwear and menstrual cups.

She said in an ideal world, period products would be free and as easily accessible in public bathrooms as toilet paper is now.

More information on how you can get involved is available here at uwbc.ca/program/period-promise.

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by Jordan Davidson

United Way BC wants to make menstrual products as accessible as toilet paper

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