COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP MAKES A PROMISE TO END PERIOD POVERTY IN NORTHUMBERLAND

by | May 28, 2020 | News | 0 comments

Period Promise launches in Northumberland County

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY – May 28, 2020 – Northumberland United Way and Thrive: Northumberland Coalition to End Violence Against Women have partnered to bring Period Promise to Northumberland County. A United Way campaign that began in Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Period Promise aims to address the issue of period poverty in our communities and to increase the accessibility of products to women of all demographics.    

Periods are a fact of life and so is the need for menstrual products. Sadly, many people cannot afford them. Almost one-quarter of Canadian women say they have struggled to afford menstrual products for themselves or their children (Plan International, Period Stigma Report, 2018). 

“No one should have to choose between buying groceries to feed their family and being able to afford basic hygiene products. For many women and young girls, this is a reality,” says Bobbie Dawson, Executive Director, Northumberland United Way. “We envision a healthier, more inclusive community where people can live with the dignity they deserve.” 

Period Promise Northumberland is devoted to making a fundamental change to eradicate period poverty in our community. We will be working hard to establish new relationships with change-makers in Northumberland County. This includes working with governments, businesses, unions, and other organizations to move the dial and change policy. 

“Thrive Northumberland is a coalition of over 20 community agencies that provides services and support to women and children. Our role is to advocate and educate on women-related issues, particularly domestic violence and sexual assault,” says Nicole Beatty, Project Consultant, Thrive Northumberland. “Period poverty is part of our conversations on how we can increase our work in coordinating access to resources and supplies, including feminine hygiene products, for women of all ages.” 

In the coming months, Period Promise Northumberland will be announcing new ways to get involved and looking for enthusiastic community leaders to inspire real change. Right now, you can help these efforts by normalizing the conversation around menstruation and period products. 

“I’m taking action because no one should have to worry about access to feminine hygiene products,” says Stephanie Campbell, Period Promise Northumberland Co-founder and Volunteer. “No one should miss school, work or anything life throws at us because of a lack of menstrual equality.” To learn more about Period Promise Northumberland, visit www.periodpromisenorthumberland.ca or follow Northumberland United Way and Thrive Northumberland on social media.

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For further information, please contact:

Bobbie Dawson, Executive Director                                      Nicole Beatty CFRE, Project Consultantbdawson@nuw.unitedway.ca                             thrivenorthumberland@gmail.com