The United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo says its Period Promise campaign this year raised 71,405 period products for people in need.

Executive Director, Katie Neustaeter, says she’s blown away by the generosity of people, noting the donations will help support 2,856 people.

“Period poverty is one of those ones where its relatively simple to know what to do to end it – provide these products to people in need, and that’s exactly what’s happening here,” she said on the NL Morning News. “So it is realistic that we can end that.”

“In this case, that is over 71,000 less daily concerns for people who menstruate right here in our region. So we know that we can make a difference.”

In all, there were over 35,000 individual period products donated with more to come. Neustaeter says that is in addition  to over $5,000 in donations which will help but another roughly 36,000 products. The donations in 2021 surpassed the 21,000 products that were donated to nine agencies in the region during the 2020 campaign.

Neustaeter says all of the products donated will be distributed through organizations like ASK Wellness, Interior Community Services, the Boys and Girls Club, the Salvation Army, the Elizabeth Fry Society, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and The Tree.

“Even in a pandemic year, our community rises to the challenge and meets the needs of others,” she added, noting like any number of issues, period poverty has worsened during the pandemic.

“Our work to improve the lives of others is only possible when it’s done united.”

Neustaeter says the United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo wants basic menstrual products to be available in public washrooms, just like toilet paper is.

For more information, contact the United Way via email at by email or online.