Two organizations in Maple Ridge received thousands of free menstrual products this year to give to their clients as part of the United Way BC’s 2026 Period Promise campaign.
The Foundry Ridge Meadows and The Family Education & Support Center received more than 4,000 products in total to distribute.
Across the Lower Mainland various agencies received more than 283,000 menstrual products through the campaign, presented by Pacific Blue Cross in partnership with CUPE 1816, which aims to support people who are facing difficult choices between purchasing essential supplies and other household expenses.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s campaign,” said Lori Mayhew, senior director of United Way BC. “Together, we’ve helped ensure more people can access the menstrual products they need to attend school, go to work and participate fully in their communities,” said Mayhew, noting that at the same time, their needs assessment makes it clear that significant gaps remain.
Period poverty affects more than access to menstrual products, explained Mayhew, it can impact health, education, employment
and dignity, forcing many people to choose between menstrual supplies and other basic necessities.
While the campaign exceeded its provincial goal of 525,000, handing out 570,150 menstrual products to organizations in communities across British Columbia, United Way BC’s latest needs assessment found organizations across BC require nearly seven million menstrual products to meet current demand.
The needs assessment identified more than 120 organizations requesting menstrual products to support an estimated 162,758 people, highlighting the ongoing impact of period poverty in communities throughout the province.
While two major menstrual product companies – Always and Tampax – donated 373,632 menstrual products valued at more than $330,000, helping expand the campaign’s reach, Pacific Blue Cross also matched cash donations dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000.
United Way BC will continue working alongside communities, workplaces, sponsors and donors to ensure everyone can access the menstrual products they need to live, learn and participate with dignity, added Mayhew.
For more information or to donate go to: https://uwbc.ca/program/period-promise/.