Periods are a fact of life.

Menstruation products are a basic necessity. But if you’re living in poverty – or vulnerable in other ways – access to tampons, pads, cups or menstrual underwear, can be challenging.

United Way is committed to making it easier for everyone to access the menstrual products they need. Every donation raises awareness, reduces stigma, and tackles the vulnerability and isolation caused by period poverty.

The Period Promise campaign by United Way mobilizes local citizens to be a part of the solution.

The Period Promise Red Dot menstrual equity advocacy campaign raises awareness of period poverty in our community.

Get involved with the Red Dot Campaign: 

Print the red dot poster and display it in your workplace, public-facing windows and share your support on social media.

• Click here for Red Dot Campaign Toolkit.

Empower. Advocate. Donate.

You can donate period products or organize a collection campaign in your community. United Way is hosting drop offs.

United Way’s Period Promise policy is an advocacy movement to help end period poverty and to de-stigmatize menstruation by inviting local businesses and organizations to provide free menstrual hygiene products in washrooms, in the same way that toilet paper is provided. Period Products are a NECESSITY, not a luxury.

• If you are an elected representative, executive, union leader or business owner, sign the Period Promise Policy and commit to providing free menstrual hygiene products to anyone accessing your facilities.
• You can give financially by purchasing product online.

Did you know? Nearly 1 in 4 Canadian women has struggled to buy period products for themselves, or their children.

History and partnerships

Tampon Tuesday: For the past few years in March, United Way Halton & Hamilton has led a local “Tampon Tuesday” initiative, a drive to collect and distribute donated menstrual products for people in need. Now operating locally as Period Promise, organizers and supporters continue to collect and distribute donations, while advocating for free menstrual products in common spaces.

Labour: Period Promise has garnered incredible community support, especially from the labour movement. Unions as well as labour councils, are leading the way in improving access to menstrual products.

Making change at a fundamental level.

There’s often a silence around periods, and period poverty. It can be embarrassing and isolating to live without access to appropriate menstrual products.

You can be a part of the solution. In addition to supporting Period Promise donation drives, organizations have an important role to play in curbing period poverty, long-term.

We can reduce the isolation created by period poverty in our own neighbourhoods by making tampons and pads available, for free, in our communities – just like toilet paper. But if you’re a local business, union or community leader, we need your support.

Wondering where to start? Curious about costs? We’ve done the research.  Join the movement now.

Contact us now to learn more.

Let’s work together to eradicate period poverty.  

Make your Period Promise today. 

Period Promise Policy Signatories

The following organizations have committed to providing free and accessible products in their workplace or office:

Acclaim Health

Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch

Eaton Industries Canada Company

ETFO Halton Elementary Teachers

IBEW Local 105

L3Harris – Wescam

OPSEU Local 281

Solidarity Place

UNIFOR 5555

UNIFOR Local 707

United Association Local 67

United Way Halton & Hamilton

UPS Canada

Vagabond Saints

YWCA Hamilton