As communities across British Columbia face a growing need for menstrual products, new data from United Way BC’s Period Promise campaign reveals a stark picture of the province’s menstrual equity gap.
According to the 2025 needs assessment, community partners estimate that over 14 million menstrual products will be required in the next year to meet the needs of people who can’t afford them.
This shortfall disproportionately affects students, low-income families, and people in rural and marginalized communities across B.C.
With Menstrual Health Day approaching on May 28, campaign organizers are making a renewed push for donations and community engagement.
Thanks to a generous matching gift, every dollar donated to the campaign this month will be doubled—helping support twice as many people.
Rachel Allen, Partnership Representative for United Way BC, says the scale of the need this year is unlike anything the organization has seen before.
“The overall need for products this year is huge,” said Allen in an interview.
She emphasized the critical role that institutions play in creating change.
“The role that local institutions play in this campaign is huge—through donations, hosting drives, and volunteer work.”
The 2025 Period Promise campaign, presented in partnership with Pacific Blue Cross and CUPE Local 1816, aims to collect more products this year.
Organizers are encouraging British Columbians to donate, start local drives, or volunteer.
In 2024, the campaign distributed over 500,000 products to more than 130 frontline organizations, setting a new benchmark for community support.
To donate or get involved, visit periodpromise.ca.
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