Periods are a fact of life, but access to menstrual products shouldn’t be a luxury. For individuals and families struggling with poverty, homelessness, mental health challenges, or financial instability, something as essential as feminine hygiene products can feel out of reach.
Period Promise is about more than just products — it’s about restoring dignity, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that no one in our community has to choose between feeding their family and caring for their basic needs.
At United Way, we believe that access to essential hygiene products is a basic human right. That’s why Period Promise partners with local businesses, donors, and community organizations to provide free menstrual products to those who need them most—no questions asked, no shame, only support.
Since 2020, we’ve distributed over 50,000 menstrual products to individuals, families, and nonprofits across Northumberland County. But the need is growing, and we can’t do it alone.
Dignity. Consistency. Equity.
Through our newly enhanced Period Promise program, United Way Northumberland supports individuals and communities across all 7 townships in the county by improving access to essential hygiene products.
At the heart of this initiative are our branded Period Promise & Hygiene Cabinets, stocked with thoughtfully curated supplies and hosted in trusted community locations.
Each cabinet includes:
Dignity Kits – a one-month menstrual supply in a reusable bag containing 20 tampons, 5 pads, and 5 panty liners
Additional personal hygiene products, as available
Incontinence products to support seniors and others who may be at risk or in need of this care
Learn more about how our cabinets support care across Northumberland County, or visit our Community Funding & Grants page to explore opportunities to get involved.
As part of our newly enhanced Period Promise program, United Way Northumberland is proud to support individuals and communities across all seven townships through a model grounded in dignity, consistency, and equity.
In previous years, our program focused on donation drives and one-time product distribution to community partners. However, to better support long-term access and deepen community impact, we’ve updated our approach.
We’re now expanding our offerings to include:
Dignity Kits – a monthly supply of menstrual products in a reusable bag
Care Kits – three month supply in a resuable, cloth United Way branded bag
Organizational Kits – bulk box of tampons for direct distribution by approved organizations
Approved organizations will:
Be eligible to receive Dignity Kits, Care Kits, and Organizational Kits as supplies are available
Be included on our designated charity list, which allows donors to direct kits to the organizations they care about most
Be considered for rotational support when donors contribute to the “greatest area of need”
Join a coordinated, community-based response to end period poverty in Northumberland County
Every time you donate tampons, pads, cups, or underwear, you’re not just providing products – you’re also helping to raise awareness, break down stigma, and support those affected by period poverty. Your financial support enables us to purchase more menstrual products, extending the reach of your donation to ensure that people in need have access to a greater variety of options.
In 2022, Period Promise Northumberland asked community members to anonymously share how period poverty impacts their lives in order to get a better understand of menstruation and equitable access to menstrual products in Northumberland County. The data was collected to form a report on period poverty and equitable access. The survey results are based on 79 Northumberland County residents aged 12-65+.
“I’ve missed work because the only thing to use was folded up toilet paper, I need to change that very often and am afraid of moving and having it fall down my pant leg. I’ve even lost jobs because I take time off once a month.”
“Joining with The United Way Northumberland & Thrive Northumberland on the Period Promise initiative has been so rewarding! The response from our community has been overwhelmingly positive, supportive, and grateful that we are shining a light on an issue that often feels overlooked. It is our hope to spread awareness and reduce stigma around the topic of period poverty (and menstruation in general) each and every day at the playground, so future generations consider it a neutral, commonplace public health matter that affects all families – regardless of gender, income, location or ethnicity. No one should experience barriers to basic hygiene products.”
“We are proud to have partnered with Period Promise Northumberland to help end period poverty. Each month, six public washrooms and one staff washroom containing up to 20-period products are re-filled, sometimes more than once a day. Many times, in a month, we provide over 120 products to those in need. In a year, that is over 1,440 products. The need is there, and we’re thrilled to be a part of the effort in Cobourg, to provide free menstrual products. We are proud to continue to be a donation drop-off location year-round for products.”
Today’s the day! Join us for our 4th annual Radiothon presented by Cobourg KIA, broadcasting live on Classic Rock 107.9, 93.3 myFM, and Oldies 100.9. We’re bringing the excitement to you from Lauria Hyundai in Port Hope and The Market & Smør in Cobourg. Your support directly benefits the Northumberland Eats Voucher Program and other essential programs. Tune in now and be part of the positive impact!
