We have partnered together with United Way British Columbia in an effort to end period poverty.
What, you may ask, is period poverty? Half of everyone who menstruates in BC have struggled to buy feminine hygiene products at some point in their lives and more than a quarter have gone through periods without having any at all. Single parents have had to choose between buying tampons or food for their family, and families skip out on social events like going to the library or the pool because it is easier to stay at home than risk bleeding in public. Teens miss school and parents miss work, and it isn't easy to ask for help.
At The Salvation Army our four pillars are hope, service, dignity and stewardship, and partnering with United Way BC in their Period Promise aligns with all four. In serving those in need in our community (by providing access to the donations we receive from United Way BC) we provide hope for an easier tomorrow and dignity - being able to easily ask for something they need in a safe environment. And because we haven't spent any money on these products, we are able to help even more people with other vital services as well (like food insecurity).
A big shout out and thank you to the United Way BC Kamloops team for always thinking of ways to support what we do here in Kamloops!
Together we are united!