The Town of Cobourg is partnering with United Way Northumberland and the Thrive Northumberland Coalition to End Violence Against Women on its Period Promise campaign.
Beginning next month, free menstrual products such as tampons and pads will be available within various Town of Cobourg municipal washroom facilities, including Victoria Hall, the Cobourg Community Centre and the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre.
“The Town of Cobourg is proud to make the Period Promise,” Chief Administrative Officer Tracey Vaughan said in the announcement.
“Not having access to menstrual products can not only be a health risk but can also be socially isolating. This is a small but practical way in which we can break down barriers by providing access to these products within our own facilities.”
The Period Promise campaign by United Way, funded locally by Northumberland United Way and Thrive Northumberland, is committed to helping to end period poverty in Northumberland County.
“We are absolutely thrilled that the Town of Cobourg has taken leadership in helping to eliminate both the stigma around menstrual health and the barriers that prevent people who have a period from accessing essential hygiene products,” United Way Chief Executive Officer Bobbie Dawson said. “This brings Northumberland County one step closer to ridding our community of period poverty. We are so grateful to be a partner in this important initiative.”
In response to the Period Promise campaign, the Town of Cobourg has declared that municipal buildings will begin to offer free menstrual products for anyone visiting municipal public washrooms.
The United Way’s Period Promise initiative also mobilizes residents to be part of the solution. The community can participate by donating financially or by organizing a Period Promise campaign to collect donated products such as tampons, pads, cups or menstrual underwear.
For more information on how to participate or donate to the Period Promise campaign, visit the Northumberland United Way website at mynuw.org.