The United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo is launching its first Period Promise campaign in Kamloops next month.

Spokesperson Katie Neustaeter says it’s because nearly one in four Canadian women have struggled to provide feminine hygiene products either for themselves or for their children.

“That’s kind of a shocking number that really surprises people but what it boils down to is that women are having to choose between buying groceries or paying their rent or being able to provide basic hygiene for themselves and their daughters,” she said on NL Newsday. “We want to help change that stat and help improve lives.”

She says any donation made will be put to good use in the community.

“Someone at say Ask Wellness needs a different kind of product that a TRU student who is also struggling to meet that same need. The demographic is huge across women who need these products,” Neustaeter added.

“So the financial donations will be great because we’ll be able to meet those specific needs, but we are grateful for everything especially in this pilot year.”

From March 2 until March 12, people can donate feminine hygiene products at participating businesses in Kamloops, which will then be given to women in need.

“It’s really becoming advanced right here in BC and we want to lead the way. When you go into a public washroom, you expect to find toilet paper to meet those basic needs and it should be the same with feminine hygiene products,” Neustaeter said.

“The goal is that no woman or girl should have to go without basic feminine hygiene products to meet that need.”