Period Promise
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.
How to Get involved with Period Promise
Whether you host a product drive or build awareness, we have materials for you. Below you can download the materials you need.
Please contact Kayla, kwillet@uwgh.ca if you would like to get involved!
Every year thousands of people have to choose between safe menstrual products or other basic necessities.
Community Drop Off Locations
You can donate period products or organize a collection campaign in your community. United Way is hosting drop offs, please choose your community.
Venue: Community Donation Warehouse
Address: 3057 Mainway, Burlington
Dates & Times:
April 29th 9am – 2pm
May 6th 9am – 2pm
May 13th 9am – 4pm
COMING SOON
Venue: Solidarity Place
Address: 51 Adair Ave South, Hamilton
Dates & Time: All Year
Notes: To make a drop off, connect with Gillian at gsurette-robinson@uwgh.ca to arrange a time.
Venue: Dundurn National Historic Site
Address: 610 York Blvd. Hamilton.
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm-4pm
Venue: Hamilton Children’s Museum
Address: 1072 Main St E. Hamilton (located in Gage Park)
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-4pm
Venue: Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site
Address: 900 Woodward Ave. Hamilton
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm-4pm
Venue: Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum
Address: 64 Sulphur Springs Rd. Ancaster
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm
Venue: Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site
Address: 77 King St W. Stoney Creek
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday 12pm-4pm
Hamilton Public Libraries
Venue: Ancaster Branch
Address: 300 Wilson St East
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
Venue: Binbrook Branch
Address: 2641 Regional Road 56
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
Venue: Central Branch
Address: 55 York Boulevard
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
Venue: Dundas Brach
Address: 18 Ogilvie St
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
Venue: Kenilworth Branch
Address: 103 Kenilworth Ave North
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
Venue: Red Hill Branch
Address: 695 Queenston Rd.
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
Venue: Sherwood Branch
Address: 567 Upper Ottawa St.
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
Venue: Terryberry Branch
Address: 100 Mohawk Rd. West
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
Venue: Turner Park Branch
Address: 352 Rymal Rd. East
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
Venue: Valley Park Branch
Address: 970 Paramount Dr.
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
Venue: Waterdown Branch
Address: 163 Dundas St. East
Date & Time: Until May 28th – Open during Library hours.
COMING SOON
Address: 420 York Rd, Niagara on the Lake
Date & Time: May 28th 4pm – 8pm
COMING SOON
Period Promise Policy
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.
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 Golden Horseshoe 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
Zurn Elkay
Partners & Sponsors
