Girls are missing one week of school every month because of the inability to afford a basic necessity — menstrual hygiene products.  

One in seven Canadian girls have either had to leave school or have missed it entirely due a lack of access to period products.  

Brock University is teaming up with United Way Niagara to fight period poverty for the second year in a row. The Period Promise, formally known as Tampon Tuesday, is a community-wide product drive to collect tampons, pads, cups and any other unopened menstrual products for those in need.  

Period products can be challenging to purchase for those living in poverty or in vulnerable situations, leaving many with the difficult choice between buying groceries or tampons. One in three Canadian women under the age of 25 have struggled to afford menstrual products. 

“Period poverty is a global issue,” said Katie Marino, Communications Assistant, Development and Alumni Relations. “By spearheading this campaign year after year, United Way and the Brock University community truly make a difference to females in need throughout our region.”  

Brock’s United Way committee will be collecting products from Thursday, March 5 to Friday, March 20 in many locations across the University (listed below). Community members are being asked to bring in an unopened period product (or products) and help Brock reach its donation goal of 250 boxes. 

“This campaign is about mobilizing our campus community and raising awareness about the need for accessible products,” said Megan Brown, Community Engagement Coordinator, Student Life and Community Experience. “Nobody should have to make the difficult decision between purchasing food for the week or buying menstrual hygiene products. By contributing to this campaign, Brock can make a positive impact in the lives of those who face these barriers within our community.”

All donations will be given to local agencies and service providers in the communities of Fort Erie, Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Thorold, Wainfleet, Welland and West Lincoln.  

In the fight against period poverty, many local businesses, including Community Care, Project SHARE, The RAFT and YWCA Niagara Region have signed the United Way’s Period Promise Policy, which commits to providing free period products to anyone accessing their facilities.  

More than 129,000 people receive support through United Way’s 111 funded programs and special initiatives annually. 

What: Period Promise – Menstrual hygiene product collection drive
When: Thursday, March 5 to Friday, March 20
Where: Across Brock campus:

• Nursing lab in East Academic building 2  
• Brock Campus Store 
• Lowenberger Dining Hall  
• DeCew Dining Hall 
• Rankin Family Pavilion welcome desk  
• 12th floor (Human Resources and Finance shared lunch room) 
• Hamilton Campus 
• Goodman Gate  
• Student Life Involvement Commons MCA 204 
• Registrar’s Office  

For more information, contact Megan Brown at mbrown7@brocku.ca or x6671.