This year, Unifor Local 199 will be participating in the United Way’s Period Promise(formerly Tampon Tuesday) by collecting boxes of unopened feminine hygiene products and monetary donations. Period products are a basic necessity. It is estimated that Canadian women have to spend more than $6,000 on period products in their lifetime. If you are living in poverty or are vulnerable in other ways, access to tampons, pads and cups can be challenging. The Period Promise initiative aims to mobilize citizens to be part of the solution.

From now until March 21, a collection box will be made available at the Union Hall for members and the community to drop off donations. The option for monetary donations is also available. We would like to encourage all of our Units to set up their own collection box at their workplaces. Donations can then either be brought to the hall or pick up can be arranged. All donations be taken to the United Way’s Awards Night Celebration Dinner on March 25 and will then be distributed to organizations throughout the Niagara Region.

Period Promise is more than a product drive. We are excited to announce that Local 199 has signed the Period Promise Policy! This is a commitment, made by the Local, to have free period products available for employees and community members in the upstairs washroom at the union hall. Through this initiative we will not only be able to show our Local Love, we will also help to spread awareness by advocating for the elimination of period poverty, gender equity and investing in the health and well-being of the community at large.

Over the next three weeks, there will be several Period Promise events held across the region. We would like to invite you to attend one of three United Way Period Promise Kick Off events being held this coming Tuesday, March 3 from 530 – 7pm. Here, you will be able to drop off unopened product, learn more about the campaign and have some snacks! These are drop in events.

Counterpart Brewing – 3659 Stanley Ave., Niagara Falls
Jack Astor’s – 400 Ontario St., St. Catharines
Mr Mike’s Steakhouse Casual – 800 Niagara St. N, Welland

If you would like help setting up a drive within your Unit or if there are any other questions please direct them to Jessica McCourt – call or text 289-228-5967 or email jessica.mccourt@gm.com

For more information visit periodpromiseniagara.com

Jessica McCourt – Women’s Advocate