From Nov. 28 to Dec. 13, members of the Health Sciences Association (HSA) at the BC Cancer – Centre for the North chapter collected financial donations and menstruation products (pads, tampons, and Diva cups) to help raise the profile about the need for menstrual products in our communities.
In collaboration with the United Way, HSA members ran the Stomp Out Period Poverty donation drive to make menstruation products easily available at no cost.
Periods are a fact of life. Monthly menstruation products are a necessity. And nobody should have to pick between feeding their family and being able to afford basic hygiene products. Yet, for too many people in our communities’ access to menstrual products is a real challenge.
On Dec. 19, 2019, Lyndsay Van der Meer, HSA Steward – BC Cancer Centre of the North, delivered all the products that were collected during the campaign to United Way of Northern BC’s Prince George office. The online fundraiser was able to raise $186, which will be allocated to the purchase of menstrual products. All the funds and products were given to Lynnell Halikowski, Executive Director of Prince George Sexual Assault Centre, for distribution to people with the dire need.
“It was my pleasure to coordinate this fundraising initiative at BC Cancer,” said Lyndsay Van der Meer, HSA Steward – BC Cancer Centre of the North. “The Health Sciences Association of BC really supported me in putting on the Stomp out Period Poverty Campaign, making it possible for me to focus on engaging with my BC Cancer colleagues. Staff members really jumped on board with this very worthy cause by making donations of both supplies and money.”
“It’s such an honour to be part of such crucial initiatives to help connect the needs of our community with incredible donor partners like the HSA, BC Cancer – Centre for the North chapter,” said Trista Spencer, Interim Executive Director of United Way of Northern BC. “Thank you to the entire group for your efforts in collecting products and funds to support this often overlooked area of need. Menstruation isn’t a choice, and no one should have to choose whether or not to have the amenities they need to care for themselves. This initiative will ensure many in our community will no longer have to make that choice.”
To find out more information, please contact info@unitedwaynbc.ca or 250-561-1040. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @unitedwaynbc for regular updates.
United Way of Northern BC aims to improve lives by expanding capacity to harness the caring power for people in Northern BC. UWNBC positively affects one-in-three people through their impact work in the region; empowering other non-profit agencies, engaging with community partners and multiple levels, advocating the unique needs of the Northern BC region, engaging in the Day of Caring initiatives, and providing funding to other non-profits through their Community Investment and Impact Program.