United Way Niagara and ETFO Niagara Local Team up to Combat Period Poverty

United Way Niagara and the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario Local are excited to team up for a social event to mark the end of the 2025 Period Promise campaign on May 28.

From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., United Way supporters are encouraged to drop off period products at the ETFO Niagara Teachers Local office at 620 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake. There will be refreshments, a photo booth and the opportunity to support your local community.

Every year thousands of people in Niagara are forced to choose between safe menstrual products and other basic necessities. The Period Promise campaign was started to combat the stigma around periods and tell every person their basic needs matter, period.

“Menstrual equity is vital as we strive for health and gender equity for all here in Niagara,” says Frances Hallworth, United Way Niagara CEO. “We hope that the Period Promise echoes longer than just one month a year and rather becomes a commitment to equitable access to period products for all those in the community who need them.”

“I’m thrilled that the ETFO Niagara Teachers Local was able to contribute in a positive way to the Period Promise campaign and become a part of the solution locally,” said Christine McGovern Vice President-Woman, ETFO Niagara Teacher Local. “One of our key objectives has always been to foster a climate of social justice and provide local leadership in areas such as anti-poverty and equity.”

UNIFOR National and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have also staked their support for this year. CUPW will be delivering the Period Products to local agencies and UNIFOR has signed on as the Leadership Sponsor for 2025. Requests for menstruation products to United Way are received year-round and this annual campaign helps local agencies get vital products to where they will make the greatest impact.

If you would like to come to the event on May 28, please register by using the Google form found here by the end of Friday, May 23: https://forms.gle/wVon9TjcJ9Rus72U7